Abbott Orders Military Deployment to Austin as Massive Anti-Trump Protests Loom
Governor characterizes peaceful 'No Kings' demonstrations as "antifa-linked," drawing sharp rebuke from Democratic lawmakers
Texas Governor Greg Abbott requested state troopers and National Guard forces to deploy in Austin on Thursday because of security concerns about the upcoming “No Kings” rally on Saturday. The event organizers view this demonstration as part of a nationwide movement that could attract millions of people seeking to resist what they call President Donald Trump’s authoritarian rule.
The deployment will consist of Texas Department of Public Safety personnel, including state troopers, Special Agents, and Texas Rangers, alongside National Guard soldiers, who will receive support from aircraft and tactical resources, according to Abbott’s office. The governor labeled the upcoming protest as antifa-linked, although multiple fact-checking efforts proved that antifa operates without a formal organizational structure.
“What Kings and Dictators Do”
The Democratic leaders immediately rejected the announcement because they believed Abbott was trying to intimidate protesters who were exercising their First Amendment rights.
“Sending armed soldiers to suppress peaceful protests is what kings and dictators do — and Greg Abbott just proved he’s one of them,” Texas House Minority Leader Gene Wu said in a statement.
Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder echoed those concerns, stating that Abbott is “taking a page from Trump’s authoritarian playbook, and intimidating people exercising their First Amendment right”.
Nationwide Movement Gains Momentum
The “No Kings” protests will take place at more than 2,600 sites across America on Saturday, organized through a partnership between the ACLU, Indivisible, the American Federation of Teachers, the Human Rights Campaign, and additional organizations. The “No Kings Day” protests on June 14th brought in five million participants who spread across 1,800 communities to create the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. The movement is his attempt to block his critics. The Austin protest will occur at the state Capitol from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, serving as a public referendum against Trump’s authoritarian measures, which include his use of federal forces in cities.
Deployment Amid Ongoing Controversies
Texas National Guard troops are currently operating under increased public scrutiny due to Abbott’s decision. The Trump-appointed judge issued a warning against the use of martial law when he blocked immigration enforcement operations in Illinois and Oregon through federal court orders during the previous month.
Seven Texas National Guard personnel who served in Illinois returned to their home base because they failed to meet military fitness requirements and weight standards, which led to more criticism about Abbott’s deployment methods.
The governor’s office did not answer any questions about sending troops to Houston or other Texas locations where “No Kings” events will take place. The deployment of soldiers serves as an addition to the existing thousands of DPS troopers who maintain state-wide positions.
Deployment Amid Ongoing Controversies
Texas National Guard troops are currently under scrutiny in multiple areas due to Abbott’s decision. The Trump-appointed judge issued a warning against the use of martial law. In contrast, federal judges in Illinois and Oregon granted temporary injunctions to halt Guard deployments for immigration enforcement duties.
Seven Texas National Guard personnel who deployed to Illinois returned home because they failed to meet military fitness requirements and weight standards, resulting in increased criticism of Abbott’s deployment methods.
The governor’s office failed to answer questions about deploying troops to Houston and other Texas locations where “No Kings” events are scheduled to take place. The deployment of soldiers serves as an addition to the existing thousands of DPS troopers who maintain positions throughout Texas, according to Abbott.
What Happens Next
DPS’s Homeland Security Division will monitor Saturday’s protests and investigate potential links to what Abbott called “known terrorist organizations.” However, the peaceful nature of June’s demonstrations—which proceeded almost entirely without incident—suggests such concerns may be unfounded.
As the protests approach, organizers emphasize their commitment to peaceful demonstration, with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging Americans to “join No Kings this Saturday at an event near you to push back on Trump’s power grabs and make it clear—we don’t do monarchs here”.