As Trump talks of ‘very heavy force,’ Missouri already goes into military mode

As the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, tensions are rising across the country. Protest organizers under the “No Kings” banner have planned hundreds of demonstrations nationwide, though notably, none are scheduled in Washington, D.C. The White House has warned that any disruptions to today’s parade and festivities will be met with a “very large force.”

These comments from the president follow his decision to authorize an increase in ICE raids at workplaces across Los Angeles, which quickly sparked mass protests throughout the city. In response, President Trump overrode the authority of California Governor Gavin Newsom by federalizing the National Guard and deploying Marines to protect federal agents and property. However, state and city officials—including Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell—have stated that the move was unnecessary. They argue that local law enforcement, supported by existing agencies operating in the state, was fully capable of maintaining order.

A California court has since ordered the White House to return control of the National Guard to Governor Newsom. President Trump, however, continues to insist that without his intervention, “Los Angeles would be burning.” State officials counter that it was the ICE raids themselves that incited the protests, and that had such aggressive enforcement actions not been taken, the city would not be facing its current unrest.

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Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has already activated the National Guard

The White House has also signaled to Republican-led states that they should be prepared to deploy the National Guard if needed. This message has prompted several states to take preemptive action.

In Missouri, Governor Mike Kehoe has already placed the state’s National Guard on alert. On June 12, Kehoe authorized the Guard’s activation, citing “recent instances of civil unrest across the country.”

“While other states may wait for chaos to ensue, the State of Missouri is taking a proactive approach in the event that assistance is needed to support local law enforcement in protecting our citizens and communities,” Kehoe said in a statement. According to the protest organizers’ website, more than a dozen “No Kings” demonstrations are planned across Missouri alone.

Who is behind the ‘No Kings’ protests?

Hundreds of ‘No Kings’ protests will take place in the U.S. on Saturday, as well as sister protests in countries all over the world. The ‘No Kings’ partners, listed on the website, feature progressive groups, as well as labor unions, and other political organizations, who have all come unified to organize what they call a day of defiance.

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