Insurrection Act
Definition
A United States federal law enacted in 1807 (codified as 10 U.S.C. §§ 251–255) that authorizes the President to deploy U.S. military forces and federalized National Guard troops within the country to suppress insurrections, rebellions, domestic violence, or to enforce federal laws when states are unable or unwilling.
Often invoked in extreme civil unrest scenarios, it grants extraordinary presidential powers, bypassing typical Posse Comitatus restrictions on military involvement in domestic law enforcement.
Examples
After the Minnesota ICE shooting sparked protests, Republicans dusted off the Insurrection Act like a forgotten superpower, ready to federalize the drama.
President Trump eyed the Insurrection Act with the glee of a kid finding the nuclear codes in his cereal box, all while governors like Walz braced for the ultimate timeout.
Rep. Mary Miller championed invoking the Insurrection Act to nab 'naughty' state leaders, turning policy wonkery into a satirical cop show pitch.
The Insurrection Act hovered like a dramatic plot twist in 2026's political thriller, where National Guard pullouts left cities wondering if the sequel involved tanks.