President Trump's Federalizing the National Guard Is a Dangerous Abuse of Power

Washington, D.C. — In response to President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles, Danielle Brian, executive director and president of the Project on Government Oversight (POGO), issued the following statement: 

 “President Trump’s decision to federalize and deploy the National Guard and threaten the use of the active duty military is an unjustifiable and dangerous power grab. Deploying the military on American soil is a drastic measure designed for the most extreme circumstances, but the president is abusing his powers to push his political agenda. 

 “Protests, even if individuals may commit crimes, are not rebellions. There is no justification for sending in the military.  

 “To be clear, this is not martial law. The Constitution remains in full effect, as does the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the military’s ability to perform law enforcement tasks. People still have their rights, and military personnel must uphold those rights. 

 “We keep the police and the military separate for good reason. Policing civilians is a job for civilian law enforcement, while it is the military’s job to defend our country in war. The tragedy at Kent State in 1970 is a stark reminder of the harm that can result when military force is used to police domestic communities — an enduring warning against the militarization of civilian spaces.  

 “The administration must reverse this dangerous, unjustified course. And Congress and the courts must use the full extent of their powers to check this brazen presidential power grab.”

Project on Government Oversight (POGO) champions reform to achieve a more effective, ethical, and accountable federal government that safeguards constitutional principles.