President Trump Defies Court Ruling, Deploys Troops to Portland Amid Antifa "Siege" Fears
In a move that has sparked widespread criticism and concerns about executive overreach, 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 "war-ravaged" Portland and ICE facilities under siege from attack by Antifa and other domestic terrorists.
The deployment comes just weeks after a federal judge found that President Trump's deployment of National Guard members against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom was illegal. A similar deployment to Los Angeles earlier this year was also deemed unlawful by a federal court. Despite these rulings, Trump has continued to deploy troops within the US, with over 35,000 federal soldiers activated this year alone.
According to The Oregonian, Governor Tina Kotek had not requested the deployment of National Guard troops and was caught off guard by Trump's decision. "This is a clear example of President Trump disregarding the rule of law and the authority of state governors," said a spokesperson for Governor Kotek. "We will continue to work with local authorities to ensure public safety, but we do not need or want federal troops in our city."
A defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity called Trump's claims about an Antifa siege "nonsense." The official stated that there is no evidence of a coordinated attack by Antifa or other domestic terrorists on ICE facilities or the city of Portland. "This is just another example of President Trump using fear-mongering and misinformation to justify his actions," said the official.
The deployment has sparked concerns about executive overreach and disregard for judicial authority. "President Trump's actions are a clear threat to the rule of law and the principles of democracy," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "We will continue to monitor the situation and take action if necessary to protect the rights of Oregonians."
The current status of the deployment is unclear, but it is expected that the matter will be taken up by federal courts in the coming days. In the meantime, protests are planned for this weekend outside ICE facilities in Portland, with many calling on Trump to reverse his decision and respect the authority of state governors.
In a statement, President Trump defended his decision, saying, "I am committed to protecting our citizens and our national security interests, even if it means taking bold action against those who seek to undermine them." However, critics argue that Trump's actions are not only unlawful but also divisive and inflammatory. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: President Trump's deployment of troops to Portland has sparked a heated debate about executive power and the role of the federal government in domestic affairs.
Sources:
The Intercept
The Oregonian
This story was compiled from reports by The Intercept and The Intercept.
