Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi faced criticism after incorrectly citing a non-existent constitutional provision while criticizing President Donald Trump’s choice to send federal troops to Los Angeles amid ongoing riots. Pelosi mentioned “Article 10, Section 12046” of the Constitution, asserting that it barred the president from activating the National Guard without the consent of a governor. However, the U.S. Constitution comprises only seven articles. It is likely that Pelosi intended to refer to Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which delineates the president’s authority to federalize National Guard troops. Legal experts clarified that Title 10 permits the president to do so without needing a governor’s consent—a power that was previously utilized by President Lyndon B. Johnson during the civil rights movement. Critics pointed out that Pelosi’s interpretation is at odds with established law and Supreme Court precedent.
Pelosi also reiterated a claim that Trump declined to deploy the National Guard prior to the January 6 Capitol riot. However, former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund countered this assertion, explaining that legal limitations necessitated Capitol Police Board approval—under the jurisdiction of congressional leadership—before any request for federal support could be made. Meanwhile, a recent RMG Research poll indicates that 52% of voters endorse Trump’s decision to send troops to Los Angeles in response to riots triggered by ICE operations. More than 100 individuals have been arrested amid the unrest. Furthermore, 57% of respondents expressed support for immigration officials’ initiatives to locate and apprehend undocumented immigrants in the city. The federal response included 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines.
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