This past Tuesday while speaking to American troops in Japan, you talked about US cities. They're having trouble with crime. And you said, "If we need more than the National Guard, we'll send more than the National Guard." What does that mean, send more than the National Guard.>> Well, if you had to send in the Army or if you had to send in the Marines, I'd do that in a heartbeat. You know, you have a thing called the Insurrection Act. You know that, right.Do you know that I could use that immediately and n ...

National Guard Deployment & Legal Challenges - The Pentagon has ordered the training of over 23,000 National Guard troops for civil unrest missions nationwide [1] - National Guard deployments have occurred in five US cities, sparking legal challenges from Democratic governors [3] - A federal judge is set to rule on the constitutionality of troop deployment in Portland, Oregon, with a likely appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals [4] - The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is reconsidering the deployment of the National Guard to Oregon [11] Insurrection Act & Presidential Authority - The president is signaling a potential workaround by invoking the Insurrection Act [4] - The president's insistence on normalizing the use of the US military on American streets is viewed as unusual and potentially unconstitutional [7][8] - Democratic attorneys general are prepared to challenge any presidential workaround in court to uphold American values [9] - Concerns exist that the president may invoke the Insurrection Act if legal challenges to troop deployments fail [18][19] Food Emergency & SNAP Benefits - Oregon's governor declared a food emergency, directing $5 million to food banks due to federal shutdown cuts to SNAP benefits [23] - 177% of Oregon's population relies on SNAP benefits, according to USDA numbers from 2024 [23] - Concerns are raised that the president may use the food emergency to disproportionately harm Democrats [24]

Legal Framework & Historical Context - The Posse Comitatus Act is a criminal prohibition on the US Armed Forces or federalized National Guard members from engaging in domestic law enforcement unless explicitly allowed by the Constitution or an act of Congress [7][8] - The Insurrection Act creates exceptions to the Posse Comitatus Act, outlining specific scenarios where the military can be used for domestic purposes, such as suppressing an insurrection at the request of a governor or preserving civil rights when a state fails to do so [18][20][21] - The Tenth Amendment reserves police power to the states, emphasizing that domestic law enforcement is primarily a state and local responsibility, not a federal or military one [11][12] Concerns Regarding Military Use - Experts express concern that military personnel are trained for combat against foreign enemies with lethal force, which differs significantly from the rules of engagement for domestic law enforcement [13][14] - There are concerns about the safety of deploying armed military members on US streets due to the different rules of engagement they are trained for [15] - The government's attempt to use a technical provision (Title 10 Section 12406) to federalize the National Guard against the wishes of state governors has been challenged in court, with judges finding that the facts did not support the use of this provision [36][37] Title 32 Authority & Potential Loopholes - Title 32 of the US Code allows the President to use the National Guard for federal functions while they remain under the governor's control, meaning they are not subject to Posse Comitatus; some governors have voluntarily used this authority, while others have resisted [61][62][64] - The Department of Justice has argued in OLC memos that it does not violate Posse Comitatus to use the military to protect federal functions and federal property, though this has never been tested in court [43][44] International Operations & Use of Force - The US military has engaged in strikes against boats in the Caribbean Sea, claiming they were carrying drugs, but the legal authority for these actions is questionable, with some arguing it constitutes murder [83][87] - The government's theory is that the cartels are in an armed conflict with the United States, making them subject to the laws of war, but this justification is seen as dubious and potentially setting a dangerous precedent [91][92][93]

Political Commentary & Public Discourse - The report highlights a significant discrepancy between Donald Trump's portrayal of Portland as a "war zone" and the reality on the ground, where it is described as a peaceful and joyful city [1][2][3] - The analysis suggests Trump is attempting to create a false narrative to justify militarizing cities with opposing political views, particularly by invoking the specter of Antifa and domestic terrorism [5] - The report raises concerns about the potential use of the Insurrection Act and the normalization of military presence in cities, characterizing it as a "fascist playbook" [8][9] - The report emphasizes the importance of peaceful protest and strategic action to counter the administration's rhetoric and avoid falling into a "psychology of fear" [10][11] Community & Law Enforcement Dynamics - Portland has a history of protest and values standing up for marginalized groups [14] - Portland police have shown restraint and professionalism, learning from past experiences, particularly the 2020 protests [15] - The report indicates that protests outside an ICE facility were dwindling before Trump's intervention, suggesting his actions escalated the situation [17][18][19] Far-Right Groups & External Influences - Far-right groups, including the Proud Boys, have a history in Oregon and were present at the January 6th insurrection [20][22] - Right-wing influencers are attempting to provoke constituents, but counter-protesters are showing restraint and de-escalating situations [21][23][24]

Legal and Political Context - The President's attempt to deploy the National Guard to Portland was challenged in court, with a judge initially blocking the deployment, stating the determination was "simply untethered to the facts" [1][2] - The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals granted an administrative stay, allowing the President to federalize Oregon's National Guard but barring deployment to Portland [3] - Concerns were raised about the dangerous precedent of deploying National Guard troops from different states against another state's will [9][10] Portland Situation and Response - Portland faces real challenges including crime, drug use, commercial vacancies, and homelessness [6] - The characterization of Portland as a "war ravaged city" or full of "insurrectionists" is considered absurd [7] - Oregon is experiencing a 51% reduction in violent crime since the beginning of the year [10] - The emphasis from city leaders is to avoid escalating the situation and not fall into a "trap" of violence [16] Broader Implications and Concerns - The President is accused of attacking an independent judiciary and the free press, using fear to intimidate people [18][19] - There are concerns about normalizing the use of the United States military on the streets, which is considered un-American [20][22] - The President's actions are seen as attacks on the pillars of democracy, requiring a firm stance against unconstitutional actions [20][21][22]

Joining us now, Illinois Attorney Generalwami Raul, who has said Trump's deployment troop troop deployments in his state are not legally justified. Attorney General, thanks for joining us this morning. Let's just let's start with uh your reaction to the appeals court ruling.Well, we're obviously pleased. We don't want um the National Guard on on our streets. Um uh the the court's ruling um denied uh a request for emergency uh stay for administrative stay on deployment which uh while the while they allowed f ...

Political Analysis - The report highlights concerns about the potential misuse of the Insurrection Act, suggesting a plan to justify its invocation for political purposes [5][6][9] - It points out the increasing use of the term "insurrection" by political figures to describe dissent, protests, and legal challenges, potentially diluting its meaning and normalizing the use of force against perceived enemies [12][13][14] - The report raises concerns about the deployment of federal troops in cities over the objections of local leaders, and the use of force against protesters, journalists, and clergy [1][2][3] Legal and Constitutional Issues - The report emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment rights to protest and speak freely, as highlighted by a federal judge's order protecting these rights [4] - It mentions the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits using the military for domestic law enforcement, suggesting a potential conflict with the invocation of the Insurrection Act [11] - The report references Project 2025, which allegedly aims to circumvent legal constraints on presidential power [1][5] Social Impact - The report describes the fear and unease created in communities by the deployment of federal agents and their use of force [2] - It highlights incidents of violence against protesters, journalists, and clergy, raising concerns about the suppression of dissent [1][2][3] - The report emphasizes the solidarity and support for immigrants being held in confinement, and the desire for justice and their return to communities [1]

Legal and Political Commentary - The Attorney General views the indictment of a fellow Attorney General as a "trashing of the American justice system" and indicative of authoritarian tendencies [1] - Concerns exist regarding potential misuse of the Insurrection Act by the President, with the Attorney General noting the President's past statements and actions [1] - The Attorney General highlights the importance of documenting city municipal authorities' handling of local issues to prevent the President from using them as a pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act [1] - The Attorney General points out that the President's administration has telegraphed their intentions, referencing "Project 2025" [1] Immigration and Federal-State Power Dynamics - The Attorney General emphasizes the need to uphold the law as written and use it as a tool to hold ICE and the President accountable for misuse of power [1] - The Attorney General mentions a successful legal challenge against the President's attempt to conditionalize federal emergency management funds based on converting local law enforcement into ICE agents [1] - The Attorney General acknowledges the traditional federal jurisdiction over immigration matters but asserts the intention to use available tools to protect and preserve American law [1] Characterization of Groups and Potential for Abuse - Concerns are raised about the characterization of "Antifa" as a sophisticated and dangerous organization akin to MS-13, ISIS, and other terrorist groups [2] - The Attorney General warns against dismissing this characterization as "utter stupidity" because it could be used as a pretext to suppress speech, arrest people, and deploy law enforcement [2] - The Attorney General suggests that the amorphous nature of "Antifa" could lead to the persecution of anyone associated with anti-fascist ideas [2] National Guard Deployment - The Attorney General expresses readiness to challenge any illegitimate or illegal attempts by the President to deploy the National Guard and take power away from the governor [2] - The Attorney General emphasizes the need to demonstrate to a court that there is no basis for National Guard deployment, as local and state authorities are capable of handling the situation [2][3]

Political Landscape & Government Actions - The report highlights Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy National Guard troops in Democratic cities, escalating tensions [3][7] - The analysis suggests the Trump administration is creating chaos and fear to justify invoking the Insurrection Act and sending troops to cities, potentially impacting the 2026 midterm elections [7][8] - The report mentions discussions about invoking the Insurrection Act, a law that allows the president to deploy active duty troops for law enforcement, which has been rarely used since 1807 [3][7][8] Social & Political Commentary - The report suggests Trump's actions are driven by political weakness and a fear of dissent, using authoritarian tactics to distract from his failures [3][5] - The analysis points out the administration's shift from "soft propaganda" to "hard propaganda," accusing Democrats of being terrorists and an existential threat [6] - The report criticizes the administration's use of official government social media for political attacks, potentially violating the Hatch Act [3] Epstein Files & Government Shutdown - The report discusses the shutdown's impact on the potential release of the Epstein files, with allegations that the speaker is delaying a vote on a discharge petition [11][22] - The report mentions a letter from an Epstein survivor to Speaker Johnson, urging the House to return to session to address the Epstein files [11] - The report highlights a request for documents related to Jeffrey Epstein from Tulsi Gabbard, investigating potential ties to foreign intelligence agencies [16][18] Workforce & Diversity - The report notes mass layoffs of federal workers are being announced, with potential disproportionate impact on black women [10][31][34] - The analysis highlights concerns about the targeting of black officials and reductions in agencies with large minority workforces, suggesting a pattern of discrimination [28][30][31] - The report cites a congresswoman stating that nearly 320,000 black women have left the workforce, linking it to Trump's policies [34][36]

If it's Tuesday, President Trump lashes out at Democrats, saying they are quote like insurrectionists. And he floats, invoking a 200-year-old law to expand his power to mobilize the military in Democratic run cities as the legal and political fight over troop deployments escalates. Plus, shutdown day seven.The White House ramps up its threats against furled federal workers, now suggesting it could withhold their back pay, circumventing current law amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding potential mass layo ...