Pentagon considers a quick-reaction force to deploy in US cities amid unrest, raising legal and political concerns

President is deploying National Guard in response to what he calls a crime emergency, with 800 troops to be sent to DC.

Troops would be equipped with weapons and riot gear, ready to deploy within an hour under the reported plans

Internal Pentagon documents call for 600 troops to be ready at all times to deploy to American cities within approximately one hour.

Proposal for 600 National Guard troops stationed across Alabama and Arizona bases to be deployed at short notice

Pentagon considers a quick-reaction force to deploy in US cities amid unrest, raising legal and political concerns

President Trump has activated 800 National Guard members to address what he calls a crime emergency in Washington, D.C. — even though data shows violent crime rates are falling.

President Trump has activated 800 National Guard members to address what he calls a crime emergency in Washington, D.C. — even though data shows violent crime rates are falling.

From upholding civil rights rulings to quelling civil disturbances and even delivering mail, other presidents have sent out National Guard units.

Hundreds of National Guard troops might be stationed in two states and serve as a quick reaction force that could respond to riots and other civil unrest.

The White House has said about 850 officers and agents took part in a ‘massive law enforcement surge’ across the city on Monday night. Key US politics stories from 12 August 2025

Armoured vehicles were spotted at urban centres and tourist sites around the US capital on Tuesday evening.