Can the military now use deadly force against Americans?

The directive “does not reflect any change to DOD’s policy regarding the use of lethal force,” a Department of Defense spokesperson told Newsweek.

“The directive is explicit that none of this assistance can be in violation of Posse Comitatus Act.” She added this act generally bans the federal military getting involved with civilian law enforcement anyway, with few exceptions. One of these is the Insurrection Act, but this directive doesn’t in any way expand the Insurrection Act, Goitein said.

“This directive simply confirms, or simply reiterates, existing Department of Defense policy that the Secretary of Defense has to personally sign off.”