The Biden administration is pushing DoD Directive 5240.01, which it says gives the Pentagon unprecedented power

A recent update to a Department of Defense (DoD) directive, Directive 5240.01, has sparked controversy and fueled conspiracy theories online.

The policy outlining military intelligence activities was updated on September 27, 2024, leading to speculation that the Pentagon now has the authority to use lethal force against U.S. citizens protesting government policies. However, the Defense Department has rejected those claims, emphasizing that the directive does not grant new powers or authorize lethal force against American citizens on U.S. soil.

The 22-page document, which governs military intelligence support to U.S. law enforcement agencies, has been regularly updated since it was first published in 2007. However, the timing of the latest revision came just weeks before the U.S. presidential election and coincided with Hurricane Helene, has raised concerns in some Republican circles. Social media platforms such as Rumble, 4chan and Telegram saw a spike in mentions of “5240.01” as conspiracy theories spread.

Critics, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., took to social media to suggest that the Biden administration and Vice President Kamala Harris were preparing to use the military against American citizens.

However, Sue Gough, a spokesperson for the Department of Defense, addressed the claims, stating, “The provisions of the directive are not new and do not authorize the Secretary of Defense to use lethal force against U.S. citizens.” Gough told The War Horse News that the directive relates specifically to military intelligence support to civilian law enforcement agencies in certain circumstances, such as anti-terrorism or counter-narcotics operations. “It is in no way related to the election or any other event,” Gough added.

The policy update sparked concern because of its reference to deadly force. However, the language in question refers to the defense secretary’s role in authorizing military intelligence support when lethal force may be involved in law enforcement operations, rather than a new authority to target U.S. citizens. Military intelligence has long been permitted to assist federal, state and local law enforcement in situations where human lives are at risk, such as international counterterrorism efforts.

In addition to updating Directive 5240.01, the Pentagon has revised ten additional policies since September, covering topics ranging from space-related military activities to the use of military vehicles for public affairs. According to the Department of Defense, these updates are part of routine policy reviews and have not been influenced by the upcoming election or other events.

In summary, while Directive 5240.01 has garnered attention online, Defense Department officials have made it clear that it does not authorize the Pentagon to use lethal force against American citizens on U.S. soil. The update is part of normal DoD procedures and does not represent a change in policy or legal authority.