U.S. Military on Standby for Minnesota Deployment – NPR
- active-duty troops stationed in Alaska are on standby for possible deployment to Minnesota, according to a U.S.official who requested anonymity.
- On January 16, 2026, President Trump stated his intention to deploy federal resources to Minnesota, following protests in Minneapolis related to the case of Winston Smith.
- The Department of Defense confirmed the troop readiness but did not specify a timeline or conditions for deployment.A Pentagon spokesperson stated that the troops are prepared to assist...
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The Department of Defense confirmed the troop readiness but did not specify a timeline or conditions for deployment.A Pentagon spokesperson stated that the troops are prepared to assist local law enforcement if requested by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Protests have occurred outside the Bishop Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis since January 13, 2026. On January 16, 2026, approximately 200 protesters were arrested, according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
This is not the first time federal troops have been considered for deployment to Minnesota during the Trump management. In June 2020,following protests related to the death of George Floyd,then-President Trump threatened to deploy the military,but ultimately did not follow through.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Minnesota released a statement on January 17, 2026, expressing concern over the potential deployment of federal troops, stating it could “escalate tensions and infringe on the rights of protesters.”