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President Trump again dangled the Insurrection Act, even as courts swat down his use of other statutes to send federalized troops into Democratic-led cities. Appellate challenges from Los Angeles, Portland and Chicago are piling up, with the 9th Circuit set to rehear a California ruling on Oct. 22; experts say the Supreme Court may have to untie the knot. Troops in Oregon and Illinois are activated but sidelined. Scholars warn the act’s broad authority could dramatically expand military policing, while others argue statutory guardrails and military resistance could still check it.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.