Trump Orders National Guard States to Form Rapid-Response Units for Civil Unrest

The U.S. National Guard is preparing to train hundreds of troops in every state to create specialized rapid-response forces capable of handling civil disturbances by early next year, according to two U.S. officials. The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s push to use the military to support domestic security operations, including deployments to cities such as Los Angeles, Portland, and Washington, D.C.

This initiative follows Trump’s executive order signed in August, directing each state to establish National Guard units ready to deploy quickly for “quelling civil disturbances and ensuring public safety.” The officials, speaking anonymously, said states would be required to form units of about 500 troops each by the start of next year. The Guardian first reported the implementation timeline, citing a National Guard memo dated October 8.

While the Pentagon has not commented, questions remain about how these new forces differ from existing state quick-reaction units. Currently, National Guard units can mobilize 125 personnel within eight hours and an additional 375 within 24 hours for missions involving riot control and disaster response.

During a recent visit to Japan, President Trump reiterated his commitment to restoring law and order, signaling that the federal government could deploy additional forces beyond the National Guard if necessary. “We have cities that are troubled,” Trump said. “We’re sending in our National Guard, and if we need more than the National Guard, we’ll send more because we’re going to have safe cities.”

The plan underscores Trump’s emphasis on strengthening domestic security and ensuring rapid military readiness amid rising civil unrest. Analysts say the initiative could mark a significant expansion of the National Guard’s role in maintaining public order across the United States.