Pentagon puts 1,500 troops on standby for possible deployment to Minnesota after Trump threat

Federal agents detain a protester in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on January 8, 2026. OCTAVIO JONES / AFP The Pentagon ordered around 1,500 United States Army soldiers to prepare for a possible deployment to Minnesota, defense officials informed the Washington Post this Saturday (17). The soldiers belong to two infantry battalions of the 11th Airborne Division, based in Alaska and specialized in cold weather operations. The units have been placed on standby in case violence in the state increases. According to authorities, the measure is considered “prudent planning”. There is still no decision on the actual deployment of troops. The information was provided on condition of anonymity, as it concerns sensitive military planning. In a statement, the White House stated that it is common for the Pentagon to prepare for “any decision that the president may or may not make.” The Defense Department did not comment. Updated report.

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