Trump threatens Insurrection Act to deploy National Guard amid state legal battles

President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 to deploy National Guard troops to major U.S. cities, including Chicago and Portland, amid rising homicides and tensions over law enforcement. This move, aimed at bypassing local and state opposition, has sparked legal challenges from Democratic-led states and cities like Illinois and Oregon, which argue the federal intervention is unlawful and escalates violence. Trump justified potential use of the Act by citing failures of local authorities to maintain order and protect federal property, warning he would act if courts or local officials obstructed troop deployments. Legal experts and critics warn that invoking the Insurrection Act could undermine states' rights and civil liberties, intensifying constitutional conflicts over federalism. The administration’s efforts have included federalizing state National Guard troops and attempting to circumvent court rulings, highlighting a sharp federal-local power struggle. Trump’s stance reflects a broader attempt to militarize urban law enforcement amid political and social unrest, raising concerns about executive overreach and the erosion of judicial authority.