Trump Rules Out Insurrection Act in Minnesota Despite Threats of Escalating Unrest

President Donald Trump stated Friday there is no basis for invoking the Insurrection Act in Minnesota, even as federal authorities consider heightened interventions amid ongoing disturbances.

In remarks delivered before departing for Florida aboard Air Force One, Trump highlighted that the historical use of the Insurrection Act—a law enacted in 1807 allowing presidential deployment of federal forces domestically—remains available should conditions deteriorate in the state.

“If I needed it, I’d use it,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any reason right now to use it, but if I needed it, I’d use it.”

The president’s comments follow a surge of protests in Minneapolis and surrounding areas, initially sparked by federal immigration enforcement actions and subsequent clashes with law enforcement. Unrest intensified following the January 7 shooting of Renee Nicole Good, which triggered widespread demonstrations across the nation.

Earlier Friday, Trump also criticized Minnesota leadership in a social media statement, alleging that state officials had lost control of the situation. “The Governor and Mayor don’t know what to do,” he wrote. “They have totally lost control, and our currently being rendered, USELESS!”

Trump further characterized protesters as “highly paid professionals” who would be resolved through swift federal action if necessary.