Conservative governors in several US states have positioned National Guard units on standby preparing for massive demonstrations opposing Donald Trump and his agenda.
Demonstration Scope and Planning
Organizers of the "Anti-Authoritarian" campaign declared that assemblies are scheduled at over 2,500 locations throughout the nation.
According to rally organizers, the last Anti-Authoritarian event in June brought out more than five million demonstrators denouncing Trump's policy agenda.
State Responses
Governors in Texas and the Old Dominion have publicly mobilized their state's National Guard units, though the level of military involvement remains unknown.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott mentioned the "scheduled antifa-linked demonstration" as justification for calling up state military personnel.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin correspondingly directed activation of the commonwealth's National Guard contingent.
Partisan Reactions
Demonstration organizers characterized the events as challenge to Trump's "strong-arm tactics."
"The president thinks his authority is unlimited," organizers claim on their digital presence.
"Yet in this country, we oppose absolute rulers and we refuse to yield against chaos, dishonesty, and harshness."
Some Republicans have termed the protests as "Hate America" assemblies.
Kansas Senator Roger Marshall according to sources remarked prior to the demonstrations: "We must deploy the National Guard."
"Hopefully it'll be calm. I doubt it," he added.
Critic Reaction
Opposition representatives condemned the mobilization of military forces.
Texas Democrat Gene Wu argued: "Sending weapon-carrying military personnel to control peaceful protests is what monarchs and autocrats do — and Greg Abbott just shown he's among them."
