President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy troops to Los Angeles in response to protests is driving a new push in Congress to rein in presidential power. The White House sent National Guard soldiers and Marines to the country’s second-largest city after raucous but relatively small demonstrations against immigration arrests. While the president has not officially invoked the Insurrection Act, his use of a separate legal authority has sparked concerns about the potential for militarizing domestic law enforcement.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told POLITICO he is drafting new legislation to sharply limit a president’s ability to deploy troops on American soil. The senator, known for his long-standing advocacy on this issue, is seeking to overhaul the Insurrection Act and related presidential powers to prevent a president from federalizing the National Guard or using active-duty forces domestically without congressional oversight. His proposal would impose strict time limits on troop deployments, requiring congressional approval after a set period, ensuring the military remains focused on national defense rather than domestic law enforcement.
Blumenthal argued that the mainstream of American society deeply believes the military should remain a tool for national security and not be used to suppress protests at home. Critics, including Blumenthal himself, argue that the White House’s approach could violate constitutional rights and set a dangerous precedent for executive overreach. The senator’s office is reaching out to other lawmakers to build consensus, though Republican support remains uncertain. While optimistic about potential backing from centrist Republicans like Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, Blumenthal admitted the challenge of winning over opposition in Congress.
Despite the political challenges, Blumenthal is determined to move forward with his legislative effort, emphasizing the need for clear safeguards against the abuse of presidential power. His proposal reflects broader concerns among Democrats about maintaining the separation of powers and preventing the militarization of domestic affairs. As tensions over national security and civil liberties continue to shape political discourse, the debate over military deployment in the U.S. remains a critical issue for lawmakers and the American public alike.