April 21, 2015: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks in Austin. (AP)

A massive military exercise planned in states across the American West has touched off a political firestorm, with several top Texas officials now questioning the military's plans – if only to calm the Internet and constituent furor surrounding it.

The seven-state war simulation exercise, known as "Jade Helm 15," is planned for this summer. It involves training exercises on private and public land – while such exercises are hardly unique, even the military acknowledges the "size and scope" of this one sets it apart.

While the White House and Pentagon are downplaying concerns, this hasn't stopped a barrage of blogs and tweets warning about whether the federal government is preparing for "martial law." Even actor Chuck Norris is keeping his "eyes of a ranger" on the situation.

Western-state officials are now caught between a desire to calm their residents – and yet not appear to stoke any conspiracy theories. 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott already has asked the State Guard to monitor the training exercises, after officials faced worried residents at a packed town hall meeting.  

This alone triggered accusations that the Republican governor is "pandering to idiots."

On Monday, the governor defended his actions. "There was, frankly, an overreaction to the simple fact that someone has to be in charge with gathering and disseminating information," said Abbott, speaking to reporters. "We stepped in to play that role, which is a role to be applauded."

On Tuesday, Texas Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert also released a lengthy statement saying his office has been "inundated" with calls on the matter.

"This military practice has some concerned that the U.S. Army is preparing for modern-day martial law," he said. "Certainly, I can understand these concerns."