Biden administration pushes DoD Directive 5240.01 allegedly giving Pentagon unprecedented power

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

The directive, which outlines 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 DoD has denied these 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 assistance to U.S. law enforcement, has been routinely updated since it was first issued in 2007. Despite this, the timing of the latest revision, just weeks before the U.S. presidential election and coinciding with Hurricane Helene, has raised concerns among some Republican circles. Social media platforms like 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 DoD spokesperson, addressed the claims, stating, "The provisions in the directive are not new and do not authorize the Secretary of Defense to use lethal force against U.S. citizens." Gough explained to The War Horse News that the directive specifically deals with military intelligence assistance to civilian law enforcement, under certain circumstances, such as anti-terrorism or counter-narcotics operations. "It’s in no way timed in relation to the election or any other event," Gough added.

The directive’s update sparked concern due to its reference to lethal force. However, the language in question refers to the Secretary of Defense’s role in authorizing military intelligence assistance when lethal force might be involved in law enforcement operations, not a new power to target U.S. citizens. Military intelligence has long been allowed to assist federal, state, and local law enforcement in situations where lives are at risk, such as international anti-terrorism efforts.

In addition to updating Directive 5240.01, the Pentagon has revised 10 other directives since September, covering topics ranging from space-related military activities to public affairs' use of military vehicles. According to the DoD, these updates are part of routine policy reviews and were not influenced by the upcoming election or any other events.

In summary, while Directive 5240.01 has attracted attention online, DoD officials have clarified 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 shift in policy or legal authority.