Gavin Howe
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruptions to daily life, with millions of people around the world being ordered to stay at home, and businesses and schools closing. As government officials began activating the National Guard, rumors started circulating that martial law would be enforced. These rumors were spread via text messages and social media posts, which often claimed to be from a friend of a friend. They advised that the president would soon be ordering a mandatory two-week quarantine, with the National Guard enforcing it. However, these messages have been repeatedly debunked by state and federal authorities, who attribute them to misinformation, and assert that the National Guard is only being used to distribute food and medical supplies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can the coronavirus cause martial law? | No, the coronavirus cannot cause martial law. |
| Is there a national quarantine? | No, there are currently no plans for a national quarantine. |
| What is the role of the National Guard? | National Guard units are distributing food, medical supplies, and helping direct traffic at drive-through testing sites. |
| What is causing the rumors of martial law? | Anxiety about the outbreak and escalating responses has led to misinformation about the National Guard enforcing martial law. |
| How are the rumors spread? | Text messages and social media posts, often claiming to be from a "friend of a friend." |
| What is the impact of these rumors? | These messages create a sense of urgency, which can lead people to panic-buy or make rapid travel decisions. |
| Who is behind these rumors? | Some federal officials believe foreign governments, such as Russia, are spreading misinformation to sow discord. |
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What You'll Learn
- Text messages and social media posts claimed the National Guard would enforce martial law
- The National Guard was activated in more than half of US states
- The National Guard is distributing food and medical supplies
- The National Guard is also helping with traffic control and administrative tasks
- Foreign governments may be behind coronavirus rumors in the US
Text messages and social media posts claimed the National Guard would enforce martial law
Text messages and social media posts have been circulating a claim that the National Guard would enforce martial law. These messages appear to be based on an executive order signed by President Trump on Inauguration Day, which directs the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to submit a report by April 20, assessing the situation at the southern border. The order also asks for recommendations on whether to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 for border enforcement purposes.
The Insurrection Act is a set of federal laws dating back over two centuries, granting the president the authority to deploy the U.S. military or National Guard forces domestically in response to rebellions, civil unrest, or obstruction of federal law. While the act has been invoked numerous times in American history, it is not the same as declaring martial law.
Martial law is a temporary rule that gives the military authority over a civilian population during major civil unrest, and it has been declared in the US, but mainly at the state level. For example, Hawaii was placed under full martial law after the attack on Pearl Harbor during WWII. However, there is no indication that the US administration is preparing to initiate martial law, and the order's focus is explicitly on the southern border, not civil or domestic unrest.
Despite this, some people, including veteran Democratic strategist James Carville, have warned that President Trump might try to declare martial law. Carville stated that people should be on "high alert" regarding this possibility. However, legal experts have stated that they do not see a clear path for Trump to lawfully implement martial law, and there is no credible evidence that martial law is being considered anywhere in the US.
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The National Guard was activated in more than half of US states
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of confusion and misinformation, especially regarding the role of the National Guard. As government officials began activating the National Guard, text messages and social media posts began spreading misinformation that the guardsmen would enforce martial law. These posts, often claiming to be from a "friend of a friend", advised that within 48 to 72 hours, the president would order a two-week mandatory quarantine, and the National Guard would be mobilized to administer it. These messages were designed to create a sense of urgency, which could lead people to panic-buy or make rapid travel decisions.
Despite the rumours, there were no plans for a national quarantine or martial law. The National Guard units were busy distributing food and medical supplies and helping with the response to the virus. More than 4,000 National Guard reservists were deployed in at least 31 states to help with the COVID-19 response. In some states, like Rhode Island and New York, Guard members helped with traffic control and administrative tasks at drive-through testing sites.
In June 2020, a historic number of National Guard soldiers and airmen were activated for domestic operations across the United States, surpassing the number activated during the 2005 Hurricane Katrina response. Of the 75,000 activated National Guard members, at least 32,400 were deployed across 32 states and the District of Columbia to assist law enforcement in civil unrest operations following the death of George Floyd.
The National Guard is under the dual control of the states' governors and the President. They respond to domestic emergencies like wildfires, hurricanes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. They also play a role in providing security and assisting recovery efforts after events like the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina.
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The National Guard is distributing food and medical supplies
Despite the rumours, the National Guard is not enforcing martial law. Instead, the National Guard is distributing food and medical supplies. In fact, more than 4,000 National Guard reservists have been deployed in at least 31 states to help with the response to the virus.
In Louisiana, the National Guard has more than 1,200 soldiers and airmen assisting with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) response, including distributing critical medical supplies across the state. LANG states that it has mobilized guardsmen throughout the state to support current operations, including medical, engineering assessment, and commodities distribution support, shelter assistance, traffic control point and drive-through testing site support, assistance at food banks, and to provide liaison officer teams to Parish Emergency Operations Centers.
The Michigan National Guard has been integrated into the state’s emergency response since the Governor announced its activation on March 18. Across the State of Michigan, the guard is supporting medical screening, assisting at local food banks, augmenting the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), and supporting efforts for establishing alternate care facilities across Michigan.
In some states, guardsmen are helping at testing sites. That’s the case in Rhode Island and New York, where Guard members are expected to help with traffic control and administrative tasks at the state's first drive-thru testing site.
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The National Guard is also helping with traffic control and administrative tasks
The National Guard has been the subject of many rumours during the coronavirus pandemic, with text messages and social media posts suggesting that guardsmen would enforce martial law. These messages, often claiming to be from a "friend of a friend", advised that within 48 to 72 hours, the president would order a two-week mandatory quarantine, and the National Guard would be mobilized to administer it. These rumours have been repeatedly debunked by state and federal authorities, who have confirmed that there are no plans for a national quarantine or martial law. Instead, the National Guard has been busy distributing food and medical supplies, as well as performing other essential tasks.
The National Guard has a long history of serving many purposes and performing various jobs for the United States. It is composed of the Army National Guard and the Air Force Air National Guard and is typically called into action by a state's governor, who acts as its commander-in-chief. The National Guard regularly responds to domestic emergencies and crises, such as natural disasters, civil unrest, and war-like situations.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the National Guard has been assisting with traffic control and administrative tasks at drive-thru testing sites in several states, including Rhode Island and New York. This involves helping to manage the flow of vehicles and people at these testing sites, ensuring an efficient and orderly process.
In addition to traffic control, the National Guard has also been providing administrative support. This may include tasks such as data entry, record-keeping, and coordinating with other agencies to ensure a smooth testing process. They have also been working alongside the Army Corps of Engineers to transform spaces into testing sites, utilising their engineering expertise and logistical capabilities.
The National Guard's role in traffic control and administration during the coronavirus pandemic is just one example of how they adapt to the needs of the nation during times of crisis. Their presence in communities does not indicate martial law but rather a coordinated response to a public health emergency.
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Foreign governments may be behind coronavirus rumors in the US
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented lockdowns and restrictions, with millions of Americans ordered to stay home, and businesses and schools closed. As a result, there has been widespread anxiety about the outbreak, and confusion about the role of the National Guard. Text messages and social media posts have suggested that the National Guard would enforce martial law, with the president ordering a two-week mandatory quarantine. These messages have been repeatedly debunked by state and federal authorities, who have confirmed that the National Guard is busy distributing food and medical supplies and assisting with testing sites.
Despite this, rumours of a military-enforced national lockdown have persisted, leading to speculation about the source of these claims. Some federal officials, including Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, have asserted that foreign governments may be behind some of the rumours about the coronavirus in the US. Wolf specifically named Russia, stating that they, along with groups from other countries, spread false information to "sow discord on any controversial issue". He claimed that the rumours of a national quarantine were part of a disinformation campaign.
Social media platforms have denied seeing any clear signs of foreign coordination, but they are working to identify and remove misinformation about the virus. The spread of misinformation during the pandemic has been a significant issue, with authorities emphasising the importance of finding reliable sources of information. The recurrence of false claims during an emergency highlights the persistence and impact of such rumours.
While the presence of the military in communities may be unnerving for some, officials have clarified that this is not an indication of martial law. Instead, the National Guard is assisting with the response to the virus, which has been likened to multiple domestic emergencies occurring simultaneously in every state.
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Frequently asked questions
Martial law is when military forces are given the power to enforce laws and manage everyday situations, which is usually the role of civilian courts and law enforcement agencies.
No. Despite the activation of the National Guard and the distribution of misinformation, there are no plans for a national quarantine or martial law. The National Guard is distributing food and medical supplies.
The use of the National Guard to help with the response to the coronavirus pandemic prompted rumours of a military-enforced national lockdown or even martial law. These rumours were exacerbated by text messages and social media posts.
Some federal officials have said there is reason to believe foreign governments are behind some of the rumours. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said Russia and other countries spread misinformation to "sow discord on any controversial issue".
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