Trump Administration Weighs Invocation of Insurrection Act Amid L.A. Protests

Strategic Insights -

The President Donald Trump administration has been considering invoking the Insurrection Act to escalate US military intervention in Los Angeles, amid ongoing protests, as Trump and his advisors describe the demonstrations as an "insurrection." While the administration has been working behind the scenes to craft a less confrontational approach to protecting federal immigration enforcement, lawyers are exploring the possibility of invoking the rarely-used law to deploy troops on city streets.

The Insurrection Act permits the President to use military forces to end an insurrection or rebellion on US soil. Trump has taken part in conversations surrounding the act, but has not made a final decision on what to do. The administration is weighing its options, with one official saying that those involved had effectively decided not to use the act, but the lawsuit announced by California challenging the move to federalize National Guard members may change their calculus.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Trump administration has been considering invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy troops on city streets in Los Angeles amid ongoing protests.
  • The Insurrection Act permits the President to use military forces to end an insurrection or rebellion on US soil, but is rarely used.
  • The administration has been working behind the scenes to craft a less confrontational approach to protecting federal immigration enforcement.
  • President Trump has described the protests as an "insurrection" and has taken part in conversations surrounding the Insurrection Act.
  • The administration is weighing its options, with one official saying that those involved had effectively decided not to use the act, but the lawsuit announced by California challenging the move to federalize National Guard members may change their calculus.
  • The deployment of National Guard troops has been authorized under Title 10 powers, which allow the President to use the military to intervene when enforcement of federal law is being impeded.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi and the White House Counsel's office have been actively involved in crafting the administration's response to the protests.

Statistics:

  • Over 700 Marines were mobilized from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center to join the thousands of National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles.
  • Most of the troops have worked to protect federal buildings, but some are expected to remain in the city for the foreseeable future as Immigration and Customs Enforcement continues to carry out immigration enforcement operations.
  • The protests have been described as an "insurrection" by President Trump, who has said they could have led to a real insurrection.
  • The administration's mobilization of troops has been met with criticism from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who objects to the federalization of National Guard members.

Sources:

  • CNN, quoting President Donald Trump and White House officials
  • Multiple people briefed on the discussions
  • California Gov. Gavin Newsom
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi
  • White House Counsel's office
  • Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel
  • Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche
  • CNN's Samantha Waldenberg