Analysis: Insurrection Act Powers and Proposed Reforms

The Insurrection Act grants the U.S. president broad authority to deploy military forces domestically under vaguely defined conditions. The law allows presidents to use regular armed forces beyond the National Guard and permits military involvement in law enforcement activities that would otherwise be prohibited by the Posse Comitatus Act. President Trump has recently indicated he may consider invoking these powers, with Vice President Vance confirming the administration is exploring options to address what they characterize as crime issues in major cities.