GOP state senator says Trump should ‘invoke the Insurrection Act’ to stay in power

Still refusing to accept the outcome of the presidential election, state Sen. Bob Steinburg (R-NC) is calling on President Donald Trump to declare a national emergency and invoke the Insurrection Act to suspend civil liberties and remain in power.

During an appearance on WRAL Tuesday night, Steinburg referenced a number of conspiracy theories as he defended his position.

According to Steinburg, there must be something going on that is "bigger than meets the eye" since the election did not turn out in Trump's favor.

"There's something going on here bigger than what anybody is willing to talk about," the 72-year-old senator said. "I don't like conspiracy theories at all. But something is going on here that's bigger than meets the eye."

The Washington Post reports Steinburg suggested that "the president suspend habeas corpus, which allows people to challenge unlawful imprisonment, 'as Lincoln and FDR have both done in times of war.'"

The Republican senator also noted that he would support the president's efforts if he were to invoke the Insurrection Act to push back against the outcome of the election.

"If that's what needs to be done if there are people who have been identified as folks who are suspected of high crimes and misdemeanors, who are threatening the very security and foundation of our nation," Steinburg told WRAL, "for whatever period of time it takes to round them up, then yes."

Steinberg's interview came shortly after the Facebook message he posted urging Trump to take action against the Electoral College vote. In the now-deleted Facebook post, Steinburg wrote "President Trump must declare a national emergency. Trump should also invoke the Insurrection Act."

Despite the Electoral College solidifying President-elect Joe Biden's win, only 37 out of 249 Republicans have indicated they accept the outcome of the election.