Trump Defies Court, Deploys Troops to Portland Amid "Antifa Siege" Fears

President Trump Defies Court Ruling, Deploys Troops to Portland Amid Antifa "Siege" Fears In a move that has sparked concerns about executive overreach and disregard for judicial authority, President Donald Trump deployed National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, on Saturday, despite a recent court ruling finding similar deployments to be illegal. According to a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to provide "all necessary Troops" to protect ICE facilities in the city from an "imagined Antifa siege." The deployment comes just weeks after a federal judge found that President Trump's deployment of members of California's National Guard against the wishes of Governor Gavin Newsom was illegal. A similar deployment of troops to Los Angeles earlier this year was also found to be unlawful by a federal judge. According to The Intercept, which first reported on the story, 200 Oregon National Guard members were activated against the wishes of Governor Tina Kotek. This move marks the latest in President Trump's deployment of over 35,000 federal troops within the US this year, sparking concerns about executive overreach and disregard for judicial authority. A defense official who spoke to The Intercept on condition of anonymity called Trump's claims "nonsense," suggesting that there is no real threat from Antifa or other domestic terrorists in Portland. "There's been no credible intelligence to suggest that there's a siege or an attack on ICE facilities," the official said. The deployment has been met with criticism from local officials and civil rights groups, who argue that it is an overreach of executive power and an attempt to intimidate protesters. "This is just another example of President Trump using the military as a tool for his own personal agenda," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The situation in Portland has been marked by ongoing protests against police brutality, systemic racism, and immigration policies. While some have expressed concerns about public safety, others argue that the deployment is an attempt to silence dissenting voices. As of now, it remains unclear what the long-term implications of this move will be or how it will impact the city's residents and protesters. However, one thing is clear: President Trump's decision to deploy troops to Portland has sparked a heated debate about executive power, judicial authority, and the role of the military in domestic affairs. In a statement, Governor Tina Kotek expressed her opposition to the deployment, saying that it was "unacceptable" for President Trump to disregard the court ruling. She also emphasized the need for dialogue and understanding between law enforcement and protesters, rather than relying on force. The situation is likely to continue unfolding in the coming days and weeks, with many questions still unanswered about the motivations behind President Trump's decision and the potential consequences of this move. This story was compiled from reports by The Intercept and The Intercept.