Trump Administration to launch first-ever National Guard response force amid civil unrest concerns

WASHINGTON, D.C. —In a move described by administration officials as a “historic modernization of domestic readiness,” the Trump administration is reportedly creating the nation’s first National Guard Response Force (NGRF) — a specialized unit designed to respond rapidly to large-scale civil unrest and national emergencies across the United States.

According to an internal memorandum obtained by The Post, the new force will begin training in early 2026, with full operational capability required no later than April 1, 2026. The NGRF will reportedly include troops trained not only for crowd control and disaster response but also for advanced Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN)scenarios.

Senior Defense Department officials briefed on the initiative said the goal is to ensure that each state has rapid-response elements capable of mobilizing nationwide under federal command in the event of coordinated domestic crises.

“This is about preparedness, not politics,” one senior defense official said under condition of anonymity. “The threats we face — from unrest to unconventional hazards — demand a unified, modern, and mobile response capability.”

The memo outlines a multi-phase implementation plan:

• Phase I (Winter 2025): Selection of key National Guard units across all regions.

• Phase II (Spring 2026): Intensive multi-domain training with federal coordination.

• Phase III (Summer 2026): Full operational readiness and integration with FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential for federal overreach and the militarization of domestic responses. Civil liberties groups are expected to seek further clarification from the administration regarding the scope and command authority of the new force.

The Pentagon has not yet issued an official public statement, but internal sources suggest that an announcement could come within the next several weeks.

If confirmed, the National Guard Response Force would represent one of the most significant reorganizations of the National Guard since its founding — reflecting a heightened federal focus on domestic stability and unconventional threat preparedness.