Key Facts

• Some Trump supporters propose martial law or extraordinary actions to address alleged election rigging before the November midterms.
• There is no evidence the upcoming elections will be rigged.
• Federal law does not allow the president to declare martial law to postpone elections or take over election systems.
• Martial law means military control replaces civilian government temporarily, but it is not clearly defined in U.S. law or Constitution.
• The Supreme Court has never ruled that a president can declare martial law alone without Congress’s approval.
• Laws like the Posse Comitatus Act limit the use of the military in domestic affairs.
• Election activist Tina Peters, previously convicted related to election equipment, has worked with Trump allies advocating for these measures.
• Experts say any military involvement would require legal authorization beyond the president’s power.