President Donald Trump has controversially deployed federalized troops from California to Portland, Oregon, following a federal court’s refusal to authorize the use of National Guard forces in the city. This maneuver effectively sidesteps the earlier judicial injunction that had prevented the deployment of federal troops.
The move involves National Guard members who were already stationed in Los Angeles due to previous unrest. California Governor Gavin Newsom has strongly condemned this action, calling it a “breathtaking abuse of the law and power” and announcing his intention to file a lawsuit against the federal government.
Portland is among several U.S. cities, many led by Democratic officials, that have become focal points in President Trump’s campaign against what he terms widespread crime. The administration has asserted that the troops are necessary to restore order amidst ongoing protests, particularly those related to immigration enforcement.
The Pentagon confirmed that approximately 200 California National Guard members were reassigned to Portland. Their stated mission is to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal personnel engaged in official duties. A White House spokesperson, Abigail Jackson, stated that President Trump utilized his lawful authority to safeguard federal assets and personnel in Portland, citing “violent riots and attacks on law enforcement”.
Jackson further criticized Governor Newsom, urging him to “stand on the side of law-abiding citizens instead of violent criminals destroying Portland and cities across the country.”
During the summer, Los Angeles experienced significant daily protests following an increase in immigration raids. In June, Trump deployed the state’s National Guard to manage the situation, a decision that typically falls under the governor’s authority. Newsom had previously voiced his opposition to using military forces in Los Angeles, arguing it was unnecessary and escalated tensions, while Trump maintained it prevented further destruction.
The administration’s decision to redeploy these troops, who were still based in Los Angeles, to Portland has been met with fierce opposition from state leaders. Governor Newsom characterized the move as the president using the military as a “political weapon against American citizens,” and pledged legal challenges, urging the public to resist such “reckless and authoritarian conduct.”
Portland has been a frequent target of President Trump’s criticism, with his administration citing the presence of individuals associated with the anti-fascist movement, often referred to as Antifa. The president recently issued an executive order designating this loosely organized group of left-wing activists as a domestic terrorist organization.
This deployment to Portland follows Trump’s authorization of 300 National Guard troops for Chicago the previous day, aimed at addressing escalating crime rates. Chicago has also seen protests related to immigration enforcement, with a violent incident occurring recently where authorities reported firing upon an armed woman who allegedly rammed her vehicle into law enforcement cars.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has also condemned the troop deployment in Chicago, labeling it an abuse of power and accusing the administration of attempting to “manufacture a crisis.” He suggested on CNN that the deployment was intended to incite further protests and create a “war zone” to justify a larger federal response.