What Is the Insurrection Act Trump Threatens to Use?
The Insurrection Act is a powerful US law that allows a president to deploy the military or federalize the National Guard within the United States to handle domestic unrest. What does it do?The act gives the president the authority to use armed forces to enforce US laws or suppress rebellions, insurrections, or domestic violence. It was signed into law in 1807 and has been used dozens of times in American history. Why is it controversial?There is a long-standing tradition of keeping the military out of domestic affairs. Using the act bypasses the normal authority of state governors, raising concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the use of the military as a domestic police force. What has Trump said?President Donald Trump has stated he would consider invoking the act if he believes governors or mayors are obstructing law enforcement […]