BOISE, Idaho — Many governors are pushing back against a threat from President Trump to deploy military forces, and today, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper broke ranks. President Trump said if governors do not activate the National Guard to stop violent protests, he will send in military troops.
Esper says he does not support using active-duty troops to shut down large scale protests. We asked Senator Mike Crapo, and he did not hesitate, agreeing with the defense secretary.
"And what Secretary Esper I believe was based on the fact that I believe that the governors have that avenue if they need additional support. And he said he didn't see a need which would be a significant step to engage with the insurrection Act and the circumstances don't justify that now," said Sen. Crapo.
Several state officials are concerned a response like that would only escalate situations more. The insurrection act has only been invoked 11 times in the last 100 years.
