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 widespread criticism and concerns about executive overreach, President Donald Trump deployed National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, despite a recent court ruling deeming similar deployments 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 and the city from an "imagined Antifa siege." 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. According to The Oregonian, 200 Oregon National Guard members were activated against the wishes of Governor Tina Kotek, who had expressed opposition to the move. This marks the latest in 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, speaking on condition of anonymity, called Trump's claims "nonsense," according to The Intercept. "There is no Antifa siege in Portland," the official said. "This is just another example of President Trump using the military as a tool for his own political agenda." The deployment has been met with widespread criticism from civil liberties groups and lawmakers. "President Trump's actions are a clear abuse of power and an affront to the rule of law," said Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) in a statement. "He is using our military as a tool for his own partisan politics, rather than addressing the real issues facing our country." The situation in Portland remains tense, with protests ongoing outside ICE facilities. According to eyewitnesses, the deployment has led to increased tensions between protesters and law enforcement. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this latest development will play out. One thing is clear, however: President Trump's actions have sparked a heated debate about executive power and the role of the military in domestic affairs. In related news, a federal judge has scheduled a hearing for next week to consider a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Trump's deployment of National Guard troops within the US. The suit, filed by several civil liberties groups, argues that Trump's actions are an overreach of executive power and a threat to the rule of law. As the situation continues to evolve, one thing is certain: President Trump's decision to deploy troops to Portland has sparked a national conversation about the limits of executive authority and the role of the military in domestic affairs. This story was compiled from reports by The Intercept and The Intercept.