Democratic Senators Urge Biden to Restrict Domestic Military Use Before Trump Presidency

Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal call for a policy directive limiting the use of U.S. armed forces on American soil under the Insurrection Act.

Senators Warren and Blumenthal sent a letter to President Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urging a directive restricting domestic military deployments without congressional approval.
The proposed directive would clarify that the Insurrection Act should only be invoked in rare cases when state or local authorities are overwhelmed and explicitly request federal assistance.
The senators expressed concern over President-elect Trump’s past and recent rhetoric about using the military against political opponents and for mass deportations.
The letter highlights fears of potential misuse of military power, referencing Trump’s actions during his first term, including efforts to deploy troops during racial justice protests in 2020.
Legal experts warn the Insurrection Act grants broad presidential discretion, with calls for congressional reform to prevent abuse of military authority in domestic situations.