The current US President Donald Trump is unlikely to declare martial law in the country in his last days in office, since he is not endowed with the appropriate powers for this. This opinion was shared by the director of the Foundation for the Study of the United States. Franklin Roosevelt at Moscow State University Yuri Rogulev, quoted by RIA Novosti.
Rogulev explained that the American president cannot declare a state of emergency in peacetime. It is allowed to announce such measures due to a natural disaster, but then this will require coordination with the governor of the state. Another reason for such a provision could be war, but only Congress can declare it. “So the president has no constitutional powers for this,” the expert emphasized.
Rogulev noted that Trump often makes provocative statements, and the press responds in kind. “That is, he is trolling and the press is trolling him. But in reality, no such options simply exist, ”he said.
Earlier, Newsweek reported that the Pentagon is working on an action plan in case Trump introduces martial law in the country in his last days in office. The military fears Trump will bring his supporters onto the streets to thwart the handover of power to President-elect Joe Biden. Only generals who do not sympathize with Trump are involved in working out such scenarios. Supporters of the current US president, as well as the White House, are not aware of these discussions.
On December 17, Trump threw a tantrum and announced his refusal to leave the White House. In moments of “deepest denial,” the president told several advisers that he would remain at the residence on Biden's inauguration day. However, despite his behavior, Trump's entourage expressed confidence that he would peacefully and on time resign.
