Bondi Supports Trump’s Potential Use of Insurrection Act

On Tuesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi asserted that President Donald Trump “absolutely” possesses the authority to use the Insurrection Act, particularly to tackle crime in cities governed by Democrats like Chicago. She was critical of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for declining federal assistance.

During an appearance on “Hannity,” Bondi suggested, “Pritzker should beg Donald Trump to join him.” She noted the cooperation between Trump and other officials, mentioning Memphis Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat, who is keen on ensuring the safety of his city. Bondi emphasized the improvements seen in Washington, D.C., due to Muriel Bowser’s collaboration with Trump, citing efforts involving police and the National Guard.

Bondi’s remarks come after Governor Pritzker has pushed back against the federal intervention proposals, despite other Democratic leaders showing willingness to work together with the administration. Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson, also a Democrat, has been resistant to federal involvement.

In D.C., there were significant law enforcement actions recently—with 4,358 arrests and 413 illegal firearms confiscated. In comparison, there were 854 arrests and 180 illegal guns seized in Memphis.

This situation has led Trump to contemplate invoking the Insurrection Act, especially following a ruling that limited National Guard deployment. This act allows a president to send military forces into states under specific conditions like civil unrest. Historically, it has been enacted around 30 times by 10 presidents, most recently by George H.W. Bush during the Los Angeles riots in 1992.

Bondi reiterated that Trump has the legal backing to use this act but also referred to past law enforcement successes—like the recent protests against ICE in Los Angeles—as indications that such a measure might not be necessary. Yet, Trump commented earlier this week that “we don’t have to go there yet,” citing that his administration is currently “winning on appeal.”