Congress Must Prevent an Unlawful Invocation of the Insurrection Act

Reject the Misuse of Emergency Power 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. 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 should also 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.