Pentagon: No, troops not authorized to use force against Americans during election
The Pentagon clarified in a statement Thursday that U.S. troops are not authorized to use force against American citizens during the election.
In doing so, the Pentagon pushed back at suggestions by former Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Michael Flynn, the former national security adviser to former President Trump.
“The policies concerning the use of force by DOD [Department of Defense] addressed in DoDD 5240.01 are not new, and do not authorize the DOD to use lethal force against U.S. citizens or people located inside the United States, contrary to rumors and rhetoric circulating on social media,” Pentagon spokesperson Sue Gough said in a statement to The Associated Press.
DOD directive 5240.01 applies to defense intelligence personal and explains what kind of support such officials can provide to law enforcement in situations where a confrontation or lethal use of force is likely, according to the AP.
The directive makes clear that while Defense intelligence personnel can provide intelligence, analysis, training, equipment and even weapons to civilian authorities in certain situations, they cannot themselves use force.
The Posse Comitatus Act makes the use of force by federal troops on U.S. citizens illegal, except in cases of self-defense.
In a post to his 4 million followers on social platform X, Kennedy claimed that the update to the directive was intended to interfere with this year's election and would authorize the use of force on U.S. citizens who protest government policies.
Gough said the timing of the updated directive was not related to the election.
Trump has inflated these rumors, saying that he would call the military on the “enemy from within,” which included far-left liberals. He doubled down on these comments but denied threatening anyone.
Date: |
-
Politics - The Hill
Iran Revolutionary Guard officer charged in plot to kill American author in US
3 days ago - Iran -
Politics - The Hill
Esper: Take Trump comments about using military against Americans ‘seriously’
October 15 - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
Pentagon chief: North Korean troops are in Russia
2 days ago - Russia -
Politics - The Hill
Pentagon confirms 'incursions' of unauthorized drones over Air Force base
October 16 -
World - The Guardian
American author Joy Williams: ‘The comfy story has got to change’
6 days ago -
Politics - The Hill
US had no role in Israel operation that killed Hamas leader: Pentagon
October 17 - Israel -
World - Financial Times
McKinsey faces Republican calls for probe into China ‘conflicts’
October 18 - China -
Top stories - CBS News
Pentagon confirms North Korean troops are training in Russia, may be sent to fight in Ukraine
Yesterday - Ukraine
More from The Hill
-
Politics - The Hill
Trump shouts out Cruz at Texas event: ‘It’s hard to believe he’s in a race’
11 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
Ex-Oath Keeper who cooperated with government in Jan. 6 cases sentenced to probation
16 minutes ago -
Politics - The Hill
Harris criticizes Trump for ‘belittling’ Americans with ‘garbage can’ remark
33 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
The most 'Halloween-obsessed' states in the country, according to a new ranking
34 minutes ago -
Politics - The Hill
How should teachers cover the election? They shouldn’t.
37 minutes ago
Latest in Politics
-
Politics - The Hill
Trump shouts out Cruz at Texas event: ‘It’s hard to believe he’s in a race’
11 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
Ex-Oath Keeper who cooperated with government in Jan. 6 cases sentenced to probation
16 minutes ago -
Politics - The Hill
Harris criticizes Trump for ‘belittling’ Americans with ‘garbage can’ remark
33 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
The most 'Halloween-obsessed' states in the country, according to a new ranking
34 minutes ago -
Politics - The Hill
How should teachers cover the election? They shouldn’t.
37 minutes ago