Kingless protests in the US prompt states to activate the National Guard

Republican governors in several US states have put National Guard troops on standby in preparation for a nationwide protest against Donald Trump and his policies.

Organizers of the No Kings protests say the rallies will take place in more than 2,500 locations across the US. Trump’s allies accused the protesters of being allied with the far-left Antifa movement.

The governors of Texas and Virginia have activated state National Guard troops, but it’s unclear how visible the military presence will be.

Organizers say that at the last No Kings protest held in June, more than five million people took to the streets to denounce Trump’s political agenda.

Protest organizers say the protest will challenge Trump’s “authoritarianism.”

“The president thinks his rule is absolute,” they say on their website.

“But in America we have no kings and we will not back down against chaos, corruption and cruelty.”

Some Republicans called the protests “I Hate America” ​​rallies.

“We’re going to have to bring out the National Guard,” Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall said before the rallies, according to CNN.

“I hope it will be peaceful. I doubt it.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott activated the state’s National Guard on Thursday ahead of a protest planned in Austin, the state capital.

He said the troops would be needed because of the “planned antifa-related demonstration.”

Democrats condemned the move, including the state’s top Democrat, Gene Woo, who argued: “Sending in armed soldiers to quell peaceful protests is what kings and dictators do — and Greg Abbott just proved he’s one.”

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin also ordered the state’s National Guard activated.