News, White House Report

Military Action Against Americans Violates Federal Law

April Ryan
June 3, 2020

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Attorney General William Barr is taking the blame for the fiasco which unfolded outside the White House on Monday. President Trump could be hauled into court for violating the Posse Comitatus Act by deploying US military force against Americans.

The Posse Comitatus Act of 1873 restricts US military participation in law enforcement activities. Unless Congress specifically authorizes the action, military personnel ca not have direct contact with civilians, including immigrants. Former Assistant Secretary of State PJ Crowley on the danger of Trump’s threats to use military force against the American people and possible repercussions.

Click ▶️ to listen to AURN Washington Bureau Chief April Ryan’s White House Report:

Pennsylvania National Guard and police stand guard in Philadelphia, Wednesday, June 3, 2020 as protest continue over the death of George Floyd, who died May 25 after he was restrained by Minneapolis police. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

April Ryan has a unique vantage point as the only Black female reporter covering urban issues from the White House, a position she has held with AURN since the Clinton era. Her position as a White House Correspondent has afforded her heightened insight into the racial sensitivities, issues, and attendant political struggles of our nation. April has written three books; The Presidency in Black & White: My Close-Up View of Three Presidents and Race in America, At Mama's Knee: Mothers and Race in Black and White, and Under Fire: Reporting from the Front Lines of the Trump White House. Twitter: @aprildryan