As described in this article, the President alone can not declare martial law over the entire United States without the prior authorization of Congress. What's far more likely? Him declaring martial law "at the Southern border" (with an accompanying lack of definition, as per usual) and possibly specific cities with bullshit justifications about Fentanyl or cartels or some other assinine reason backed by one of his prior Executive Orders.
Is it possible that Congress will try to authorize his use of this (very poorly defined) power? Sure, but unless the GOP manage to do it in secret - constituting a blatant coup, something they have so far avoided to make obvious - then they won't be able to break the filibuster and constituents would likely have the authors (insert violent act here) for even introducing it.
So, what can we do to oppose martial law in specific areas? States rights, baby.
While there is litte precedent for the president enacting martial law, there is plenty of it for a governor (or mayor) declaring martial law. And while the US military is sworn to the constitution first and orders from the president 2nd, the oath of the National Guard puts state constitutions on the same level as the national constitution because the National Guard was an attempt to nationalize state militias who were formed primarily for just this reason: to control attempted uprisings in their own states, including those perpetrated by the national government.
CALL YOUR GOVERNORS AND MAYORS! Remind them of the power they wield to call the National Guard to Active Service when they are needed in a crisis. If you're in a red state (as many on the southern border are), make it clear to them that the declaration of martial law by the federal government in their state constitutes a VIOLATION OF STATES RIGHTS and overreach of the federal government into state affairs!
Sorry to say it, but this is likely to get messy going forward and we need to use every power available to us to stop this greasy tangello from taking control of our country!
Originally Posted By u/Maximus5684 At 2025-03-20 10:32:17 AM | Source
