Pentagon Concludes Military Planes Over Protests Were Legal

The Inspector General's investigation found that surveillance aircraft used during protests did not violate intelligence rules, as they did not monitor individuals or collect data from cell phones or radios. However, National Guard officials failed to get approval from Defense Secretary Mark Esper, as they did not consider the planes as intelligence aircraft. The report suggests that Pentagon policies need clarification, especially regarding aircraft approval and use. The flights took place after President Trump deployed federal troops to assist law enforcement during protests.

What did the surveillance aircraft gather information on during the protests?

• Cell phone data

• Crowd size and threats to buildings

• Radio communications

• Individual identities

What was the main conclusion of the Inspector General's investigation?

• The aircraft violated intelligence rules

• The aircraft monitored individuals

• The aircraft collected cell phone data

• There were no intelligence violations

Why did National Guard officials not seek approval from Defense Secretary Mark Esper?

• They had prior approval

• They believed the aircraft were not intelligence aircraft

• The aircraft were privately owned

• Esper was unavailable

What did the report suggest about Pentagon policies?

• They are irrelevant

• They need clarification

• They are too strict

• They are outdated

When did the flights occur in relation to President Trump's orders?

• Unrelated to the orders

• Before the orders

• During the orders

• After the orders