Trump Administration Explores Insurrection Act Amid Urban Unrest Concerns

By Mark Swanson | Wednesday, 08 October 2025 08:55 PM EDT

The Trump administration is examining the procedures for invoking the Insurrection Act, including its potential application and timing, according to a report by NBC News. Discussions about the 1807 law have intensified recently, though no immediate decision has been made.

The Insurrection Act allows the president 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. The focus is on protecting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and federal property in cities governed by Democrats, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon.

President Donald Trump described the situation in Portland as “pure insurrection” during an interview with Newsmax, stating, “That’s insurrection.” Earlier deployments of National Guard troops to Los Angeles and Washington were limited to support roles, while a proposed 200-troop deployment to Portland was halted by a federal judge.

Invoking the Insurrection Act would enable troops to conduct civilian law enforcement actions, such as searches and arrests. Administration officials have prepared legal justifications and scenarios for its use, with advisers agreeing it should be reserved as a last resort after other measures fail.

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 act was used in the 1950s and ’60s to enforce desegregation 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.