In an unusual stance, the Pentagon firmly addressed misinformation circulating on social media that inaccurately claims U.S. military personnel have been granted permission to take forceful action against American citizens during the upcoming election.
This falsehood, propagated by figures such as former national security adviser Michael Flynn and ex-presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., implies that a recent modification to a Defense Department policy was strategically timed to impact the presidential election on November 5.
The use of force by federal military personnel on domestic soil against citizens is strictly prohibited, except in self-defense situations, as outlined by the Posse Comitatus Act.
After exiting the presidential race and voicing support for Republican Donald Trump, Kennedy shared his misleading assertions with his four million followers on social media. He claimed that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris advanced a Defense Department directive that sanctioned lethal force against Americans protesting government actions.
The directive in question, known as Department of Defense Directive 5240.01, does not permit the use of force against U.S. citizens. Pentagon spokeswoman Sue Gough clarified that the timing of this update was unrelated to the election period.
“The regulations regarding the use of force by the Department of Defense highlighted in DoDD 5240.01 are not new and do not empower DOD personnel to employ lethal force against U.S. citizens or individuals within the country, contrary to the claims being shared on social media,” Gough explained in a statement.
It is common for the Pentagon to revise its directives. This particular update aimed to consolidate the language on the use of force across various policies into DoDD 5240.01, which is applicable solely to defense intelligence staff.
The directive illustrates the support that defense intelligence personnel can provide to civilian law enforcement in scenarios where confrontations or potential lethal actions may occur. These personnel are authorized to offer intelligence, training, equipment, and even weaponry; however, they are still subject to restrictions regarding the actual use of force in these contexts.