Republican governors across the United States have placed National Guard troops on standby in anticipation of widespread protests challenging President Donald Trump and his policies. Organized under the banner of “No Kings” protests, demonstrations are planned for over 2,500 locations nationwide. Critics of the protests, including Trump allies, have suggested connections to the far-left Antifa movement.
Governors in Texas and Virginia have already mobilized their respective National Guard units, though the extent of the visible military presence remains uncertain. Organizers of the “No Kings” movement claim that a previous protest in June drew over five million participants who voiced their opposition to Trump’s political agenda.
The organizers state their intention is to protest what they describe as Trump’s “authoritarianism.” Their website asserts, “The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty.” Conversely, some Republican figures have labeled these events as “Hate America” rallies.
Ahead of the planned demonstrations, Kansas Senator Roger Marshall commented on the situation, stating, “We’ll have to get the National Guard out. Hopefully it’ll be peaceful. I doubt it.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the state’s National Guard to active duty in preparation for a protest in Austin. He attributed the need for these troops to a “planned antifa-linked demonstration.” However, this decision drew sharp criticism from Democrats, including Texas Representative Gene Wu, who argued, “Sending armed soldiers to suppress peaceful protests is what kings and dictators do — and Greg Abbott just proved he’s one of them.” Similarly, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin also directed the activation of the state’s National Guard.