WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he would send troops to Portland, Oregon, authorizing 'Full Force, if necessary' to manage what he termed 'domestic terrorists' as he expands military deployments to more locations across America. This decision was made public via social media, where Trump directed the Department of Defense to 'provide all necessary Troops to protect war-ravaged Portland.'
The president's justification for this move is tied to the protection of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, which he claimed are 'under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.'
This escalation in his approach follows recent political violence, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which Trump linked to what he describes as the growing 'radical left.' Over the summer, he had already deployed the National Guard and active-duty Marines to cities like Los Angeles and during significant protests in Washington, D.C.
The ICE facility in Portland has faced regular demonstrations, often leading to violent clashes. Some federal agents have reported injuries, and numerous protesters have been charged with assault. Notably, protesters set up a guillotine during recent demonstrations — an act that the Department of Homeland Security condemned as 'unhinged behavior.'
In discussions about these deployments, Trump suggested he would take decisive action against those causing chaos in cities like Portland. 'We’re going to get out there and we’re going to do a pretty big number on those people in Portland,' he stated, describing the protesters as 'professional agitators and anarchists.'
Despite Trump's assertions, local officials, including Portland's Mayor Keith Wilson, have voiced their disapproval of federal intervention, emphasizing their capability to address local issues without outside forces. Wilson remarked, 'Like other mayors across the country, I have not asked for - and do not need - federal intervention.'
Portland’s mayor and others argue that the city is committed to protecting freedom of expression while managing isolated incidents of violence and property damage. Meanwhile, in Tennessee, officials are balancing federal assistance while preparing local resources to combat crime effectively in Memphis.
The president's justification for this move is tied to the protection of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, which he claimed are 'under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.'
This escalation in his approach follows recent political violence, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which Trump linked to what he describes as the growing 'radical left.' Over the summer, he had already deployed the National Guard and active-duty Marines to cities like Los Angeles and during significant protests in Washington, D.C.
The ICE facility in Portland has faced regular demonstrations, often leading to violent clashes. Some federal agents have reported injuries, and numerous protesters have been charged with assault. Notably, protesters set up a guillotine during recent demonstrations — an act that the Department of Homeland Security condemned as 'unhinged behavior.'
In discussions about these deployments, Trump suggested he would take decisive action against those causing chaos in cities like Portland. 'We’re going to get out there and we’re going to do a pretty big number on those people in Portland,' he stated, describing the protesters as 'professional agitators and anarchists.'
Despite Trump's assertions, local officials, including Portland's Mayor Keith Wilson, have voiced their disapproval of federal intervention, emphasizing their capability to address local issues without outside forces. Wilson remarked, 'Like other mayors across the country, I have not asked for - and do not need - federal intervention.'
Portland’s mayor and others argue that the city is committed to protecting freedom of expression while managing isolated incidents of violence and property damage. Meanwhile, in Tennessee, officials are balancing federal assistance while preparing local resources to combat crime effectively in Memphis.
