How The National Guard Became A Political Weapon

President Trump has ordered National Guard deployments to Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, Illinois, claiming they’re needed to protect federal agents and property as his administration intensifies its immigration enforcement raids. The move has ignited a major constitutional showdown over presidential power, state sovereignty, and the limits of federal authority.In this episode of Beerocracy!, I’m joined by Chris Mirasola, Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Houston Law Center, who specializes in domestic military and constitutional law. Together, we break down the legal doctrines behind the National Guard deployment, from the Insurrection Act and plenary presidential authority to the controversy over sending one state’s National Guard into another without consent.Chris also explains how these disputes could soon reach the U.S. Supreme Court — and what’s at stake for the balance of power between states and the federal government.If you’ve been wondering whether the president can legally deploy the National Guard across state lines, or how the Insurrection Act could reshape the future of civil-military relations in America, this episode has you covered.