Republican Governors Deploy National Guard Ahead of Nationwide Anti-Trump Protests

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

---

Image Source: Getty, Zuma Press

Republican governors in several U.S. states have placed National Guard troops on standby as large scale demonstrations against former President Donald Trump and his policies are set to unfold across the country this weekend.

Governors in Texas and Virginia have activated their state Guards, citing concerns over what they describe as “antifa-linked” unrest associated with the No Kings protests a nationwide movement opposing Trump’s efforts to expand federal power and suppress dissent. However, civil rights groups and Democrats have condemned the decision, calling it an attempt to militarize peaceful protests.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that National Guard troops will be stationed in Austin, the state capital, saying the measure is necessary to maintain order. Democratic lawmakers sharply rebuked the move, with state representative Gene Wu stating: “Sending armed soldiers to suppress peaceful protests is what kings and dictators do and Greg Abbott just proved he’s one of them.”

The protests, which are being organized with support from major labor unions, are expected to include more than 2,600 demonstrations across all 50 states. Organizers say the “No Kings” campaign is a call for accountability and the defense of democratic institutions amid Trump’s attempts to criminalize dissent and deploy federal agents in U.S. cities.

Among those planning to attend is James Phipps, a 75-year-old cancer survivor and veteran of the 1960s civil rights movement. “I have a burning desire to be a part of the protest,” he said from Chicago. “That’s all I’ve done all my life fight for justice.”

As tensions rise, civil liberties advocates warn that the right to protest and press freedom are under increasing threat, underscoring a growing clash between civic activism and government power in post-Trump America.