- United States
- Pa.
- Letter
Reports suggest that President Trump may invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy federal troops inside the United States. Such a move would almost certainly be pretextual, aimed at suppressing dissent rather than addressing any genuine rebellion or obstruction of the laws. The Insurrection Act was designed for moments when courts and law enforcement cannot function—not as a political weapon against domestic opposition.
There is no national emergency. There is no insurrection. Zero States have requested assistance to preserve their governmental functions or to quell civil unrest. ICE, when not illegally detaining people on the streets, is facing off against peaceful protesters in frog and chicken costumes. Quit supporting the lie.
Congress Must Act Now
You must speak out publicly before any such declaration is made. Silence will be read as consent. Congress should hold immediate oversight hearings to determine whether conditions legally exist for invocation, demand evidence from the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice, and call senior officials to testify about their role in advising the President.
Reassert Constitutional Limits
Congress must move swiftly to pass legislation defining the precise circumstances under which the Insurrection Act may be invoked, establishing clear procedures for judicial review, and setting firm limits on its duration. No President should have the unchecked authority to deploy military force against the American people.
Protect Our Democracy
This is a moment for moral clarity. Members of both parties must affirm that the United States military answers to the Constitution—not to any individual. Speaking early and decisively can prevent a constitutional crisis that would do lasting damage to our democracy. Follow your oath!