Pentagon Rebuts False Claims of U.S. Troop Authorization for Election Force

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The Pentagon strongly refuted misinformation circulated on social media Thursday, dispelling claims that U.S. troops were authorized to use force against American citizens in the upcoming election. The misinformation, promoted by figures like former Trump adviser Michael Flynn and ex-presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., misinterpreted a Department of Defense policy update as an election interference measure.

The contested policy, Department of Defense Directive 5240.01, was updated in September to clarify guidelines for defense intelligence personnel’s support to civilian law enforcement, but it does not permit military force against civilians. Pentagon spokesperson Sue Gough clarified that the policy revisions are routine updates, not new permissions for troop action, stating, “The policies… do not authorize the DOD to use lethal force against U.S. citizens… contrary to rumors and rhetoric circulating on social media.”

The Posse Comitatus Act prohibits federal troops from using force on U.S. soil except in self-defense. The directive aligns language from other policies, defining defense personnel support, such as intelligence and equipment aid to civilian authorities, without authorizing direct use of force.