President Donald Trump suggested numerous times this week that he could invoke the sweeping presidential powers granted by the Insurrection Act "if necessary."

"It's been invoked before," Trump told reporters Tuesday, adding, "We want safe cities."

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Using the Insurrection Act was something Trump repeatedly suggested he might do in his first term, although he never actually did.

NBC News reached out to the White House for comment.

Here's a look at what the Insurrection Act is, and what it would enable the president to do.

What is the Insurrection Act?

While the military is generally barred from being deployed for domestic law enforcement without congressional authorization, the Insurrection Act gives the pres

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