By Jennifer Selin* of
Photo: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP
As protesters and federal law enforcement clashed in Minneapolis in the wake of a second shooting of a civilian on 14 January 2026 (local time) by federal agents, President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to send troops to Minnesota in response to protests.
This is not the first time Trump has invoked the act.
Is Trump's warning just bluster? Does the president have the authority to send the military into American cities?
The answer to this question involves a web of legal provisions that help define the president's constitutional roles as commander in chief and chief executive of the country and that simultaneously try to balance presidential power with the power of state leaders.
'Protect states in times of violence'
Tracing back to the Magna Carta, the British charter of liberty signed in 1215, there is a longstanding tradition against military involvement
Continue Reading on RNZ
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.