Summary
President Trump mentioned the possibility of using the Insurrection Act to deploy federal troops in U.S. cities. This law could allow him to bypass court rulings and send troops without needing state approval. The Insurrection Act has not been updated for many years and gives the president broad powers.
Key Facts
- President Trump mentioned using the Insurrection Act to send troops to cities.
- The Insurrection Act is an old law from 1807 that allows military deployment within the U.S.
- It can be used when it's hard to enforce the law due to rebellions or other disturbances.
- The law lets the president call in troops even if states do not agree, in some situations.
- The act is different from the Posse Comitatus Act, which usually stops military from acting like police within the country.
- The Insurrection Act was last used during the 1992 Los Angeles riots and after Hurricane Hugo.
- States could sue if they believe the act is used wrongly, but the president has wide discretion.
