President Donald Trump has announced that he is directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to deploy troops to Portland. The US leader said the move is intended to protect US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities from “domestic terrorists.”
Since the announcement, social media users have shared images suggesting Portland is not the “war-ravaged” city described by President Trump. (X/@PortlandGov)
Trump’s Statement
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump wrote:
“At the request of Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, I am directing Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists. I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Many took to social media to challenge the description of Portland. US Senator from Oregon, Ron Wyden, tweeted:
“Taken just a few minutes ago outside the ICE facility in Portland that Trump claims is under siege. My message to Donald Trump is this: we don’t need you here. Stay the hell out of our city.” The video he shared shows the outside of the facility.
A post from the official page for the City of Portland also highlighted everyday life, showing people exploring food carts at the Portland Saturday Market. The caption read:
“We are hearing a lot about our hometown in the media. This is our Portland today: people visiting Saturday Market, feeding geese, sipping espresso, biking, playing in the park, and going to food carts.”
Oregon Governor Responds
Governor Tina Kotek addressed the announcement on Twitter:
“My office is reaching out to the White House and Homeland Security for more information. We have been provided no information on the reason or purpose of any military mission. There is no national security threat in Portland. Our communities are safe and calm.”
She added:
“I ask Oregonians to stay calm and enjoy a beautiful fall day. We will have further comment when we have more information.”
