President Donald Trump announced Saturday on Truth Social that he has directed his administration to deploy troops to Portland, Oregon, as part of his broader effort to combat crime in major U.S. cities.
Why It Matters
Trump has consistently emphasized law and order during his second administration, launching the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history and deploying National Guard troops to cities like Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., to assist in law enforcement and immigration efforts.
He has previously hinted at sending troops to other Democrat-led cities, including Chicago to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Memphis, Tennessee, which has the nation’s highest homicide rate, as well as locations in California and New Orleans.
This week marks a notable escalation in the administration’s fight against what it calls political extremism, following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and an attack on a Dallas ICE facility. Trump also announced that he would designate Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.
Trump’s Portland Plan
Trump stated on Truth Social that his next focus would be Portland, describing it as “war ravaged.” He 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!”
This follows an executive order labeling Antifa a domestic terrorist organization, giving the administration more tools to target the group, which Trump describes as “a militarist, anarchist enterprise that explicitly calls for the overthrow of the United States Government, law enforcement authorities, and our system of laws.”
Trump has also criticized Portland publicly, telling reporters that the city is home to “out of control and crazy people” and describing life there earlier this month as “like living in hell.”
At an Oval Office press gaggle Thursday, Trump added: “We’re going to get out there and we’re going to do a pretty big number on those people in Portland,” calling protesters “professional agitators and anarchists.”
Local Response
The ICE facility in Portland has been a frequent site of demonstrations, sometimes escalating into violent clashes with federal agents, resulting in injuries and assault charges. Earlier this month, protesters erected a guillotine, prompting the Department of Homeland Security to describe the act as “unhinged behavior.”
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson responded to Trump’s troop announcement by stating that he has not requested federal intervention and does not see a need for it.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek echoed this sentiment at a Saturday press conference, noting she informed Trump and Secretary Noem that Portland does not need troops. She added that she consulted with California Governor Gavin Newsom and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker about their experiences with federal intervention.
“We can manage our own local public safety needs. There is no insurrection. There is no threat to national security,” Kotek said. She advised the public to remain calm and warned that no property damage or violence would be tolerated.
Reactions from Officials
- Governor Tina Kotek: “Our communities are safe and calm. I ask Oregonians to stay calm and enjoy a beautiful fall day.”
- Pentagon: “We stand ready to mobilize U.S. military personnel in support of DHS operations in Portland at the President’s direction. The Department will provide information and updates as they become available.”
- Senator Ron Wyden: “Portland is a peaceful, vibrant city with no need for federal agents on our streets. I urge Oregonians not to fall into Trump’s attempt to incite violence.”
- Governor J.B. Pritzker: “Donald Trump is using federal agents to stoke fear and violate constitutional rights. It’s unlawful and un-American.”
- Senator Brian Schatz: “There is no war zone in Portland, Oregon, and the American military should not deploy to American cities.”
- Laura Loomer: “The troops are being deployed to combat ANTIFA. It’s been a long time coming. Thank you, President Trump.”
Next Steps
Trump has not provided a timeline for the troop deployment or specified the types and numbers of forces that would be sent to Portland.
