Oregon Governor Tina Kotek opposes President Trump’s decision to deploy federal troops to Portland, calling it unnecessary.
Trump Orders Federal Troops to Portland
Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of federal troops to Portland, citing security concerns and agreeing to use full force if necessary. He stated the move was at the request of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, aiming to protect Portland and federal immigration facilities from attacks by Antifa and other “domestic terrorists.” The legal basis for such an operation remains unclear, as U.S. law restricts the president’s ability to use federal troops for state law enforcement.
Governor Kotek’s Strong Opposition
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has publicly opposed the decision, emphasizing that local authorities can ensure safety without military intervention. During a seven-minute phone call with Trump, she urged him not to send troops, stating, “There are no riots,” and that soldiers should only be deployed in genuine crisis situations. Kotek firmly declared, “I made myself clear. We don’t need help. Please, don’t send troops.”
Trump’s Harsh Rhetoric on Portland
Trump’s decision aligns with his escalating campaign against the “radical left.” After the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, he intensified his rhetoric against political opponents, despite no evidence linking the killer to the left (the suspect was likely a far-right nationalist who viewed Kirk as a “fake conservative”). Trump previously described life in Portland as “hell” and the city as “war-torn,” hinting at potential interventions in other cities like Chicago and Baltimore.
