Growing concern over National Guard deployment

With Election Day less than 50 days away, Democratic lawmakers, retired military leaders, and civil society groups seek assurance from Trump administration that U.S. military won't be deployed near polling places.

Legal barriers to military deployment

Deploying federal armed agents or military troops near polling places is illegal, but Trump and officials have sidestepped direct questions about the issue.

Retired military lawyer warns of risks

Retired Air Force military lawyer Maj. Gen. Steven Lepper says Trump's options are dwindling and military deployment could become a justification for invoking the Insurrection Act.

“Either this administration is trying to limit the ways in which votes can be cast, or they're setting up a situation where a scenario could be concocted to justify the use of military force”

Trump's ambiguous stance on elections

When asked in May about deploying National Guard or ICE, Trump said he would do 'anything necessary' to ensure 'honest elections' but did not rule it out.

Military leaders confirm no immediate plans

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated there are 'no plans' to send U.S. troops to polling places after Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin pressed for clarification.

DHS memo bypasses legal restrictions

An internal DHS memo outlines a way to circumvent the Posse Comitatus Act by deputizing National Guard members as immigration enforcement officers.

Legal experts warn of immediate consequences

Legal experts say any military deployment would face immediate legal challenges but courts cannot reverse election interference once it occurs.

“There's no do-over”

Civil rights groups push for transparency

Civil rights groups, unions, and political organizations have filed lawsuits, Freedom of Information Act requests, and public service announcements to prepare voters for potential military involvement.