Pentagon readies 1,500 soldiers as Trump threatens Insurrection Act in Minnesota

The Pentagon has placed roughly 1,500 active-duty soldiers on prepare-to-deploy orders for a possible domestic mission in Minnesota, defence officials told The Washington Post late on January 17. 

The move comes after President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in response to unrest and protests in the state, Caliber.Az reports via US media.

The soldiers are assigned to two infantry battalions from the Army’s 11th Airborne Division, based in Alaska and trained for cold-weather operations. Officials described the orders as “prudent planning” in case violence escalates, though it remains unclear whether any troops will actually be deployed to Minnesota.

Officials speaking on condition of anonymity said the decision is part of routine contingency preparations. The White House defended the step, stating it is typical for the Pentagon “to be prepared for any decision the President may or may not make.” The Defense Department did not respond to requests for comment. ABC News first reported the development.

The Insurrection Act, enacted in 1807, allows the president to take control of state National Guard forces or deploy active-duty troops domestically in response to a “rebellion.” If invoked, it would mark the first use of the act since President George H.W. Bush deployed federal troops during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which resulted in dozens of deaths and widespread destruction.

Invoking the act is widely considered a last resort, used only when civilian law enforcement cannot maintain public order during severe unrest.

On January 15, Trump warned that he would invoke the law unless Minnesota officials stopped protesters from “attacking” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. He said on social media that he would “institute the INSURRECTION ACT” to “quickly put an end to the travesty” in Minnesota.

On January 16, Trump appeared to soften his stance, saying there was no need to invoke the law “right now,” but added, “If I needed it, I’d use it.”

The threats come amid increased pressure from the Trump administration on Minnesota’s Democratic leaders, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether the two officials have obstructed immigration enforcement. Walz and Frey, along with other Democrats, have denounced the move as authoritarian and an attempt to silence critics.

By Khagan Isayev