Trump to Send Troops to Portland, Oregon, to Handle ‘Domestic Terrorists’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump announced plans to send U.S. troops to Portland, Oregon, calling the city “war ravaged” and under siege from Antifa. He authorized the Defense Department to use “full force” if necessary. The move expands his controversial deployment of military and National Guard units to U.S. cities.
Trump Troop Deployment Quick Looks
- Announcement: Trump posted on social media Saturday.
- Location: Portland, Oregon, described as “war ravaged.”
- Reason: Claimed ICE facilities face attacks from Antifa.
- Language: Authorized “full force, if necessary.”
- Context: Comes after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
- Earlier comments: Said Portland was “like living in hell.”
- Expansion: Similar deployments already made in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and planned for Memphis.
- Cities threatened: Trump has floated sending troops to Chicago and Baltimore.
- Backlash: Raises concerns over federal overreach into local law enforcement.
Deep Look: Trump Says He Will Deploy Troops to Portland Amid ‘Domestic Terrorists’ Concerns
WASHINGTON — September 27, 2025
President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he is directing U.S. military troops to be deployed in Portland, Oregon, escalating his use of federal forces to combat what he labels “domestic terrorists.”
Trump’s declaration, made in a social media post, described Portland as “war ravaged” and said the Defense Department would receive orders to send “all necessary Troops” to the city.
“I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary,” Trump wrote.
Targeting Antifa and Political Violence
The president claimed the move is necessary to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in Portland, which he said are “under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.”
Trump has increasingly focused on left-wing activists, blaming them for much of the political violence he says threatens U.S. cities. His rhetoric has intensified since the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which Trump has cited as evidence of rising danger from what he calls the “radical left.”
Portland in Trump’s Crosshairs
Portland has long been a focal point in Trump’s clashes with progressive cities. Earlier this month, he described living in Portland as “like living in hell” and hinted at sending in troops.
The latest announcement follows similar controversial moves:
- Los Angeles: National Guard deployed this summer.
- Washington, D.C.: Federal law enforcement placed under Trump’s direct control.
- Memphis, Tennessee: Republican Gov. Bill Lee confirmed Friday that Guard members will soon join a multi-agency crime task force.
Trump has also threatened to send troops to Chicago and Baltimore, citing what he calls uncontrolled violence in those cities.
Escalating Federal Overreach Debate
The decision is expected to spark significant pushback from Oregon officials and civil liberties groups, who argue that federal troops in local jurisdictions undermine both state authority and democratic norms. Critics say the administration is blurring the line between national defense and domestic law enforcement.
Supporters, however, argue that Trump is taking decisive action to protect federal facilities and restore order in cities that local governments have allegedly failed to control.
National Implications
Trump’s deployment of troops to Portland represents one of the most dramatic examples yet of his strategy to use federal forces domestically. With government shutdown negotiations looming in Washington and political violence remaining a national concern, the move is likely to intensify political polarization.
Whether Portland actually sees large-scale troop activity remains to be seen, but Trump’s authorization of “full force” signals a willingness to expand the scope of federal intervention in local affairs.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.