On June 12, 2025, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sparked controversy by referencing a fictional “Article 10, Section 12046” of the U.S. Constitution during a fiery critique of President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles amid riots. Pelosi claimed the provision requires gubernatorial consent for federalizing the National Guard, accusing Trump of unconstitutional overreach. Democratic lawmakers nodded in agreement, but the U.S. Constitution contains only seven articles, none resembling Pelosi’s citation. She likely meant Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which governs federal use of the National Guard but does not require governors’ consent, as affirmed by Supreme Court rulings.
Pelosi’s error drew sharp criticism, with Republicans like Rep. Jim Jordan calling it evidence of Democratic misinformation. Trump’s decision to send 4,000 troops to protect federal agents followed unrest over Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, with 57% of voters approving the move in a recent RMG Research poll. Pelosi also falsely claimed she “begged” Trump for National Guard support on January 6, 2021, a claim contradicted by then-Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund, who noted legal restrictions prevented deployment without Capitol Police Board approval.
The gaffe has fueled debates over political competence and constitutional literacy, with critics arguing it undermines Pelosi’s credibility. Supporters downplay the error, focusing on her broader point about federal overreach. As Trump’s federalization policies expand, including threats to cities like Chicago, the incident highlights the polarized climate shaping the 2026 midterms.
