Consider This from NPR The Insurrection Act is back on the table
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Jun 9, 2025 The deployment of the National Guard in California has sparked a heated legal battle, with Governor Newsom suing the Trump administration. The podcast examines the potential misuse of the Insurrection Act and its implications on state authority. Tensions escalate as military intervention in local protests raises concerns over democratic discourse. Experts discuss the historical context and risks of blending military actions with civil society, questioning the future of civil-military relations in America.
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Trump's Controversial 2020 Suggestion
- In 2020, Trump suggested shooting protesters in the legs to quell unrest, shocking officials including Defense Secretary Mark Esper and General Mark Milley.
- Esper considered resigning over the incident but stayed to avoid being replaced by a more loyalist secretary.
Guard Deployment Sparks Tension
- Trump has deployed California National Guard troops over Governor Newsom's objections amid immigration raid protests.
- This move signals a potential shift toward increased militarization in U.S. cities under Trump's administration.
Risks of Militarizing Protests
- The Insurrection Act allows presidents to federalize the military to quell unrest but has strict historical limits.
- Deploying active-duty troops against protests risks eroding the essential civil-military distinction in the U.S.