Martial law

The president does not need a formal proclamation to declare martial law. He merely says it is now in force. He does not need permission from anyone including congress. Martial law suspends all existing laws, as well as civil authority and the administration of justice. It substitutes military authority for civilian rule. President Trump is regularly accused of ending democracy. If it was his plan to end democracy why didn't he declare martial law on January 6, 2021. The president is commander in chief of the military. Under martial law the president becomes a dictator.