National Guard activated ahead of No Kings protests planned across US

Over 2,500 anti-Trump protests planned nationwide as Republican governors activate National Guard troops in several states. The "No Kings" protests aim to challenge Trump's authoritarian rule and are expected to draw large crowds across the US.

In a move seen as pre-emptive, Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated his state's National Guard ahead of a protest scheduled in Austin on Thursday, citing concerns about an "antifa-linked demonstration". Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin also ordered his state's National Guard troops into action, although it remains unclear how visible their presence will be.

The protesters say they are standing up against Trump's rule, with organisers claiming that over five million people took to the streets during the last No Kings protest in June. This time around, they aim to mobilise millions more and challenge Trump's "authoritarianism".

Critics of the protests label them as "Hate America" rallies, while Trump allies have accused the demonstrators of being aligned with the far-left Antifa movement.

On the other hand, Democrats are denouncing Abbott's decision to activate his state's National Guard troops, calling it an attempt by a governor to suppress peaceful protests. Gene Wu, Virginia's top Democrat, said "Sending armed soldiers to suppress peaceful protests is what kings and dictators do — and Greg Abbott just proved he's one of them."

The clashes between the protesters and Republican governors over security arrangements are raising concerns about the potential for violence at the rallies.

Wow, this is getting crazy! People are really speaking up against Trump's rule and it's not going to be easy... Interesting how some people think these protests are "Hate America" rallies but others see them as a chance to stand up against authoritarianism And, what's with all the National Guard deployments? It feels like they're just trying to suppress the voices of the people

I don’t usually comment but... this whole situation is really wild . I mean, Trump’s been in office for years and suddenly his own party is trying to shut down protests? It feels like they're trying to suppress dissenting voices rather than actually listening to their concerns.

And what's with the Antifa accusations? I don't think it's fair to lump everyone who opposes Trump into one group just because some people might have extremist views. The fact that millions of people showed up last time and still nothing changed is a real sign of frustration . Maybe instead of trying to shut them down, governors should be having a conversation with them about how to make their voices heard?

I'm really worried about this whole situation . It sounds like we're heading towards a super divisive moment in US history, with people on both sides taking extreme measures to silence each other. I don't think it's okay that Republican governors are using the National Guard as a pretext to crack down on peaceful protests - it's not what democracy is about. Can't we find a way to agree to disagree without resorting to intimidation tactics?

[Image of a cartoon President Trump wearing a crown, with a red X through it] "King me? More like King no thanks "

[ GIF of a person holding a sign that says "No Kings" with a bold font, walking away from a crowd of people in the background ]

[ Image of President Trump with a puzzled expression, surrounded by Antifa symbols and protest signs] What's next?

I'm not sure if these 'No Kings' protests are really about challenging Trump's rule or just a big gathering of people looking for something to do. Five million people taking the streets in June sounds suspiciously like a PR stunt to me... And yeah, Abbott's move is super concerning - deploying National Guard troops just because there's a protest scheduled? That's some heavy-handed stuff right there.

I'm low-key concerned about how this whole thing is going down... Like, I get that Trump's policies are pretty divisive, but does it really have to come to this? Activating National Guard troops just feels like a power move, you know? And what's with the "Hate America" label for these protests? That's just gonna fuel the fire. On one hand, I do think we need to stand up against authoritarianism and all that, but on the other hand, can't we find a way to do it without resorting to this kind of drama? It's like, what happened to peaceful protest and dialogue?

I'm a bit skeptical about those 'No Kings' protest numbers... 5 million people in June? That seems like a pretty big jump . Where's the credible source to back that up? Also, what's with the 'antifa-linked demonstration' claim from Texas Governor Abbott? Can we get more info on that? It sounds like a convenient excuse for an overreaction . And why are we talking about the protests in general if it's not verified? Let's focus on facts first

omg i'm so worried about these ppl they're gonna get hurt cuz of politics trump is still a thing? like, cant we just move on already 5 million people protested in june and now it's over 2k more? that's amazing! everyone has the right to protest and be heard i dont wanna see anyone gettin hurt because of this governors gotta chill out and let ppl express themselves no need for national guard troops, just listen to what they're sayin

I'm like "Great, because what every protest needs is a bunch of dudes with rifles showing up to keep everyone safe" . But seriously though, it's kinda weird that they're calling these people "antifa-linked" – isn't that just code for "we don't agree with you"? And what's up with the whole "kings and dictators" vibe? It sounds like Abbott is trying to be the bad guy in a real-life Game of Thrones episode .

man I'm so worried about what's happening in the US rn with trump's whole thing going on it feels like the country is literally divided down the middle and the protests... i don't know man, i think it's good that people are speaking out but at the same time, the way the gov is responding to these protests is just scary having national guard troops everywhere? it feels like a police state or something

Ugh, come on guys , the "No Kings" thing is literally a fancy name for what's basically a traditional protest against an authoritarian leader. It's not like they're calling for a full-on coup or anything . Gene Wu's got a point though, Abbott's move to deploy the National Guard is kinda sketchy. I mean, who gets activated just because of some "antifa-linked demo" ? If you want to protest, you should be able to do it without the government trying to shut it down or intimidate people. And can we please stop with the "Hate America" label? It's just a bunch of noise . The real issue is Trump's rule and how some states are trying to suppress peaceful dissent .

omg I'm literally so done with trump rn lol I mean like I get that people have different opinions but this whole authoritarian thing is just wild his actions are basically dividing the country into two camps and it's getting real and can we talk about the governor in Texas for a sec? activating the national guard over an "antifa-linked demonstration" because texas? what even is that I'm just so tired of trump's antics and the way he's trying to manipulate ppl's emotions all the time