Trump Administration Weighs Invoking 19th-Century Insurrection Act Amid City Unrest

The Trump administration is examining the potential use of the Insurrection Act, a 19th-century law that grants the president authority to deploy federal troops within the U.S. to suppress rebellion, insurrection, or civil unrest when state or local authorities fail to maintain order or enforce federal law.

Recent discussions about the act have intensified, though no immediate decision has been made, according to reports. The focus is on protecting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and federal property in cities governed by Democratic leadership, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon.

President Donald Trump described events in Portland as “pure insurrection” during an interview with Newsmax, stating, “That’s insurrection. That’s pure insurrection.” While Trump has previously deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles and Washington, those roles were limited to support functions. A previous attempt to send 200 troops to Portland was blocked by a federal judge.

Under the Insurrection Act, federal troops could conduct civilian law enforcement actions, such as searches and arrests. Administration officials have developed legal justifications and scenarios for invoking the act but emphasize it would be reserved for extreme circumstances after all other options are exhausted.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated, “The Trump administration is committed to restoring law and order in American cities that are plagued by violence due to Democrat mismanagement. And President Trump will not stand by while violent rioters attack federal law enforcement officers. The administration will work to protect federal assets and officers while making American cities safe again.”

Historically, the Insurrection Act has been used in the 1950s and ’60s to enforce desegregation orders and most recently in 1992 during Los Angeles riots. Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor with nearly three decades of experience covering news, culture, and politics, authored this report.