Trump orders National Guard rapid-response forces in all states

Trump orders National Guard rapid-response forces in all states
Members of the National Guard stand at Union Station, in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 27, 2025.
Reuters

The U.S. National Guard is planning to train hundreds of troops in each state to form a rapid-response force focused on civil disturbance missions by the start of 2026, according to two U.S. officials speaking Wednesday.

The move follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in August, mandating that each state have National Guard troops ready to quell civil disturbances and maintain public order. Most states would be required to field 500 troops as part of the force.

Officials said the new rapid-response units would supplement existing National Guard quick-reaction forces, which can already deploy up to 125 troops within eight hours, with a follow-on of 375 personnel within 24 hours. It remains unclear how the new units would differ from current forces.

During a visit to Japan earlier this week, Trump emphasized his willingness to deploy military forces domestically, saying: "We have cities that are troubled … and we're sending in our National Guard. And if we need more than the National Guard, we'll send more than the National Guard because we're going to have safe cities."

The plan reportedly stems from a National Guard memo dated October 8, first reported by The Guardian. A Pentagon spokesperson did not immediately comment.

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