The Pentagon has taken the rare step of denying false claims that US troops have been given permission to use force against American citizens during the election. This move comes in response to misinformation spreading on social media, particularly by figures like former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The misinformation suggests that a Defense Department policy revision released in late September was purposely timed to impact the upcoming presidential election. The Pentagon clarified that the revision, known as Department of Defense Directive 5240.01, does not authorise the use of force against US citizens. Pentagon spokeswoman Sue Gough emphasised that the policy update was not related to the election and does not permit lethal force against Americans.
Kennedy, who has supported former President Donald Trump, falsely claimed in a tweet to his followers that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had changed the directive to allow deadly force against protestors. However, the Defense Department reaffirmed that their policies do not grant such authority and are not new regulations.
The directive under scrutiny pertains to defense intelligence personnel and outlines the support they can provide to civilian law enforcement in certain situations. While they can offer intelligence, analysis, training, equipment, and weapons to authorities, they are still prohibited from using force themselves in these circumstances. The Pentagon regularly updates its directives to align with existing policies and ensure clarity in their protocols.
In summary, the Pentagon has refuted false claims circulating on social media about US troops being permitted to use force against American citizens during the election. The Defence Department clarified that their policies do not allow for such actions, with the recent update aimed at aligning language on the use of force and ensuring clarity for defense intelligence personnel. It serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate information in a time when misinformation can spread rapidly online.