Defense Secretary Mark Esper says he does not support using active duty troops to quell the large-scale protests across the United States. This as the White House considers its options just in case nationwide protests get out of control.
President Trump vowed that if necessary he would invoke the Insurrection Act to use the military in controlling looting and violent attacks. Law professor Robert Summers at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, says under the Constitution, if a state is unable or unwilling to quell civil unrest or rebellion, the president can step in.
“So [the Insurrection Act] is meant to help the state,” Summers said. “It’s used rarely, but it’s been used about 20 times by presidents.”
Summers adds in some parts of the country, local governments might need help.
“A lot of innocent people who are trying to get their businesses back in operation are losing that opportunity because their buildings are being destroyed,” Summers explained.
Governor Greg Abbott says Texas will not need any military help.