On Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott shared a photo of the Texas National Guard gearing up for deployment. The timing coincides with revelations from a newly surfaced memo that indicates the Trump Administration is preparing to mobilize National Guard troops nationwide by April 2026. This effort aims to address potential uprisings in response to the ongoing No Kings protests and violent anti-ICE demonstrations in cities like Chicago and Portland.

This initiative has its roots in the administration’s previous efforts. Following a favorable ruling regarding the deployment of National Guard troops in Portland to manage riots against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, Trump activated troops from California and Texas. However, the deployment faced roadblocks from a District Court judge. Recent rulings, notably from the Ninth Circuit, have validated Trump’s constitutional authority to deploy National Guard troops in Oregon, reaffirming that he can act when the regular forces are inadequate to enforce U.S. laws.

The newly revealed memo outlines what is termed a “National Guard Response Force” (NGRF). This force will focus on managing crowd control and civil disturbances not only in blue states but across all 50 states, including territories and the District of Columbia. The plan specifies that units of up to 500 troops will be prepared to deploy within 24 hours in the event of civil unrest. Training will include the use of non-lethal weapons, such as TASERs and OC spray.

The memo asserts a clear timeline, stating that these forces must be operational by April 1, 2026. It outlines the requirement to train and equip NGRFs in all 53 states and territories, indicating the administration’s belief that unrest could escalate. Details such as deploying 25% of the force in eight hours and the full contingent in 24 hours suggest a sense of urgency.

Investigative reporter Anthony Cabassa, who obtained the memo, notes that this order is unprecedented. A source familiar with the situation remarked, “Hoping this is only to be safe and a precaution, and none of this will be used in a real scenario.” This sentiment raises concerns that the administration may possess intelligence about significant unrest anticipated between January and May 2026, which could explain the drastic preparation measures.

The announcement of the NGRF signals a serious commitment to maintaining order amidst growing civil unrest. With specialized training for potential chemical, biological, and nuclear scenarios, the implications of such preparations could alter the role of the National Guard in American society. This transformative response reflects a strategy designed to counteract the unrest that has defined many urban American landscapes in recent years. The political landscape is shifting as the administration gears up for a possible future fraught with instability, suggesting that by 2026, the nation may be facing challenges beyond what has transpired in recent months.