(Reuters) -The U.S. military is preparing for the activation of hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., two U.S. officials told Reuters on Sunday.

The officials, who were speaking on the condition of anonymity, said a final decision was still to be made by U.S. President Donald Trump but the troops were prepared to deploy.

One of the officials said it was unclear what exactly the troops would do, but could take part in efforts to protect federal agents or even carry out administrative tasks to free up law enforcement officials.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)