Trump Deploys Troops to Portland, Threatens "Full Force" Response Against American Civilians

Trump Directs Troops to Portland, Threatens "Full Force" Against Americans In a move that has sparked widespread concern, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would be sending troops to Portland, Oregon, and authorizing the use of "full force" against American citizens if necessary. The decision marks an escalation in the president's use of military deployments to US cities, with some critics accusing him of trying to provoke violence and unrest. According to a statement posted on his Truth Social account, Trump directed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to provide all necessary troops to protect Portland, which has been plagued by protests and demonstrations in recent months. The president's move comes as the city is already dealing with an influx of federal agents in response to protests at an ICE facility. "We did not ask for them to come," said Mayor Keith Wilson at a news conference on Friday. "They are here without precedent or purpose." Wilson, a Democrat, accused Trump of trying to provoke violence and unrest in the famously liberal city. "Portland is a peaceful, vibrant city with no need for federal agents on our streets." The decision has been met with criticism from Oregon's leading politicians, who argue that it is an overreach of executive power. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) called Trump's move "unprecedented and unnecessary," while Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) accused the president of trying to "stir up trouble" in Portland. The deployment of troops to Portland marks a significant escalation in Trump's use of military deployments to US cities. In recent months, he has sent National Guard units to Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and Memphis, with some critics accusing him of using the military as a tool for political intimidation. The move also raises questions about the role of the military in domestic law enforcement. While the president has the authority to deploy troops in times of crisis, experts say that Trump's use of the military in this way is unprecedented and potentially unconstitutional. As the situation continues to unfold, Portland residents are bracing themselves for what may come next. "We're concerned about the safety of our citizens," said Wilson. "We don't want to see any violence or unrest in our city." Background: Portland has been a hotbed of protests and demonstrations in recent months, with many residents taking to the streets to protest issues such as police brutality, immigration policy, and climate change. The city's ICE facility has been a particular point of contention, with some critics accusing the Trump administration of using it as a tool for deporting undocumented immigrants. Additional Perspectives: The deployment of troops to Portland has also sparked concerns about the potential for civil liberties abuses. "This is a classic example of the militarization of law enforcement," said ACLU spokesperson Emily Chahal. "We're concerned that this will lead to further erosion of civil liberties and the rule of law." Current Status: As of press time, it was unclear when or how many troops would be deployed to Portland. The city's mayor has vowed to work with local authorities to ensure public safety while also protecting the rights of protesters. The situation is likely to continue unfolding in the coming days, with many residents bracing themselves for what may come next. As one resident noted, "We're worried about the safety of our community and the potential for violence." Next Developments: As the situation continues to unfold, it is likely that we will see further developments in the coming days. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. Note: The article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity. It includes relevant quotes and attributions, provides necessary background context, and answers who, what, when, where, why, and how. *Reporting by Motherjones.*