Stephen Miller, who was deputy chief of staff to former President Donald Trump, suddenly stopped talking during a live CNN segment after saying that the president has “plenary authority” to send in the National Guard. Within minutes, the awkward silence went viral, and many people wondered if it was a technical problem or if he realized he had said too much. The video has since gotten millions of views, which has sparked new debates about the powers of the president during protests and a government shutdown.
Key Takeaways
- Stephen Miller’s remark about “plenary authority” sparked legal and political backlash.
- The phrase refers to complete control in specific legal areas, not unchecked power.
- Courts and state officials have already blocked troop deployments in Oregon.
- The viral clip has fueled fears of executive overreach and “dictator” comparisons online.
- Legal battles continue in federal courts, possibly heading to the Supreme Court.
What “Plenary Authority” Really Means
Plenary authority means having full legal control over a certain issue. It is often used to talk about what Congress can do, like immigration or trade. Miller, on the other hand, linked it to Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which gives presidents the power to call up National Guard troops in times of war or invasion.
This power, however, is not without limits. When presidents go too far, governors, courts, and Congress can step in. Plenary authority gives “complete power within limits,” but never more than what the Constitution allows. Miller’s words made it sound like Trump could ignore states and courts, which is not something any U.S. president can do.
Oregon’s Fight Over Sending Troops
Last weekend, protests in Portland against immigration raids turned into chaos, and federal agents used tear gas and pepper rounds near an ICE facility.
Here’s a quick look at how the standoff grew:
- On Saturday, about 400 people protested near an ICE center in Portland. Federal agents used tear gas in response.
- On Sunday, Judge Karin Immergut stopped the deployment of Oregon’s National Guard, saying it was a matter of state sovereignty.
- Trump asked for a change on Monday, moving troops from California instead. Governor Gavin Newsom joined the lawsuit in Oregon. The judge’s block now covers all Guard troops for 14 days.
- Part of CNN: Miller froze after saying “plenary authority” in defense of the move. The network went to break because of “technical issues.”
Trump has since talked about using the Insurrection Act, a law that has been around for hundreds of years and lets the president send troops to deal with unrest at home. It was last used during the Los Angeles riots in 1992. It would give Washington the power to send troops without the approval of the people. Lawyers say it could lead to big problems with the Constitution.
X.com Explodes With Reaction
Within hours, the hashtag #PlenaryPower dominated X, crossing 15,000 mentions. The freeze clip gathered over a million views, turning into a meme storm.
| Sentiment | % Of Posts | Top Themes | Example Buzz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Negative | 75% | Dictator fears, comparisons to 1930s Germany | “This is 1933 all over again—wake up!” |
| Positive | 15% | Border control support, “law and order” praise | “Finally someone standing up to chaos.” |
| Neutral | 10% | Legal clarifications of plenary power | “It means full power under law, not unlimited.” |
Even Republicans are divided, with some saying that Trump’s supporters are undermining the power of the courts. Meanwhile, users on the left connect Miller’s comment to Project 2025, saying it shows that he has an authoritarian agenda.
What’s Next
Experts say that Trump’s appeal will soon be heard by the Ninth Circuit Court and that the case could go all the way to the Supreme Court. With federal pay frozen and public unrest rising, the debate has moved from theory to reality: how far can one president go during a shutdown?
Supporters say that soldiers are needed to keep federal buildings safe. Some people think this sets a bad example. “He froze because he knew it would haunt them,” as one viral comment put it.
This isn’t just about one moment on live TV in a country that is split; it’s a test of who really has power in the US.
