Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Thursday ordered a surge of state troopers and National Guard troops into Austin, a Democratic stronghold in the state, ahead of a planned protest that he has called “Antifa-linked,” directing law enforcement to arrest anyone who commits violence or property damage and saying that Texas “will NOT tolerate chaos.”

Loading twitter content…

Why It Matters

The move from the Texas governor comes as President Donald Trump has sent federal troops to Democratic-led cities nationwide in a move he says is to tackle crime. There has been fierce debate over the moves and pushback from Democratic governors and leaders who say it is unprecedented and unneeded.

The leaders of the Texas Democratic Party and the Texas House Democrats said in a press release that Abbott is deploying the troops “to intimidate Texans during the planned No Kings Rally against Donald Trump’s disastrous administration.”

“Greg Abbott is doing everything he can to suck up to Donald Trump, including taking a page from Trump’s authoritarian playbook, and intimidating people exercising their First Amendment right,” Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder said in a statement.

There are “No Kings” protests scheduled to happen on Saturday in Austin and other cities across the nation. The event website describes “No Kings” as a “peaceful movement.”

“The president may think his rule is absolute— but we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty,” the organizers wrote on the event page.

Newsweek reached out to “No Kings” for comment.

What To Know

Texas National Guard soldiers will be joined by state troopers, special agents, and Texas Rangers “to maintain law and order,” Abbott’s office said in a press release.

The surge is in addition to thousands of DPS troopers already stationed throughout the state. 

Abbott also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Texas National Guard to deploy aircraft and other tactical assets.

Trump designated Antifa as a terrorist organization last month, calling it “a militarist, anarchist enterprise that explicitly calls for the overthrow of the United States Government, law enforcement authorities, and our system of law.”

What People Are Saying

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in a statement: “Violence and destruction will never be tolerated in Texas. Today, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard to deploy all necessary law enforcement officials and resources to ensure the safety of Austin residents. Texas will deter criminal mischief and work with local law enforcement to arrest anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property.”  

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder, in a statement: “Our cities are not warzones or military training grounds, and we do not need an unnecessary display of force at the expense of taxpayers on a peaceful protest. Greg Abbott wants to incite violence against the crowd and try to make you afraid to come out, exactly like a king or those protecting a king would. It’s not going to work— and I’ll be out protesting with you on Saturday. I urge those coming out to remain peaceful, exercise their rights, and not play into Abbott’s hand.”

Texas House of Representatives Minority Leader Gene Wu, in a statement: “Sending armed soldiers to suppress peaceful protests is what kings and dictators do — and Greg Abbott just proved he’s one of them. By inviting armed soldiers into our streets, the Governor has sold out our sovereignty to a corrupt politician looking to distract you from the Epstein Files, rising prices at the grocery store, and more Texans than ever unable to realize the dream of homeownership. The Texas we love was built on freedom from tyranny, not submission to it.”

What Happens Next

Abbott’s office said that DPS’ Homeland Security Division is “actively monitoring” the planned protest in Austin and any other potential “violent” demonstrations throughout the state.

“DPS will investigate any links to known terrorist organizations and swiftly bring charges against those who engage in unlawful activity,” the governor’s office said in a press release.

Updated 10/16/2025 at 4:30 ET: This article has been updated with additional information.

Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.