Trump Threatens Troop Deployment to Portland
President Donald Trump stated he will deploy troops to Portland, authorizing “full Force, if necessary” to address “domestic terrorists,” expanding his deployments to additional American cities.
Oregon Democratic Governor Tina Kotek responded, asserting Mr. Trump is abusing his authority by ordering troops to the city, which she believes is managing its own affairs effectively.
Mr. trump announced his decision on social media on Saturday, September 27, 2025, directing the Department of Defense to “provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland.” He justified the decision as essential to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, alleging they are “under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.”
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for details regarding Mr. Trump’s announcement, including a deployment timeline or troop specifics.
During an afternoon news conference, Ms. Kotek informed Mr. Trump directly that troops are unnecessary and that she doubts his authority to deploy the military there.
“We can manage our own local public safety needs. There is no insurrection. There is no threat to national security,” Ms. Kotek told reporters.
Portland’s Mayor, Democrat Keith Wilson, echoed this sentiment: “Our nation has a long memory of acts of oppression, and the president will not find lawlessness or violence here unless he plans to perpetrate it.” Early Saturday, no federal presence was visible in downtown Portland, were residents enjoyed a sunny fall day.
“Where’s the emergency?” asked resident Allen Schmertzler, 72, expressing his disgust with the President’s decision.
Another resident, John McNeur, 74, called Mr. Trump’s statement “ridiculous,” noting he was enjoying a peaceful stroll along the river.
“This place is not a city that’s out of control,” he said. “It’s just a beautiful place.”
Mr. Trump previously threatened to send the National Guard into Chicago but has not acted on that threat. A deployment to Memphis, Tennessee, is planned, involving approximately 150 troops-significantly fewer then those sent to Washington D.C. for Mr. Trump’s crime crackdown or to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests that escalated with the troops’ arrival. Trump also deployed Marines to Los Angeles.