American truckers began a cross-country drive from California to Washington to protest coronavirus restrictions.
About 700 troops will be stationed on roads in the US capital Washington.
The self-styled 'People's Convoy' is beginning an 11-day trek to the Beltway, a major highway to capital.
Truckers and their supporters demanding to end to COVID-19 vaccine and mask requirements.
Two dozen 18-wheeler trucks, 50 pickups and recreational vehicles, left Adelanto, California, about 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
'People's Convoy' is inspired by Canadian truck protests, which paralyzed Canada's capital city, Ottawa, for weeks.
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she was "confident" in the security plans to protect Washington.