 Kỳ, who was still in Saigon, stepped into the spotlight, organizing military forces against the Việt Cộng, who were temporarily repelled.Kỳ's strained relations with Thiệu led the Americans to pressure Thiệu to give Kỳ more responsibility, but Thiệu refused.Thiệu's regime became more pro-active, declaring martial law, widening conscription, and organising token anti-corruption campaigns were carried out.