Oregon officials push back against Trump’s troop plan, saying Portland is safe and does not need military intervention.
Oregon Governor Confronts Federal Troop Directive
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek said Saturday she has firmly opposed U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to send federal troops to Portland, calling it unnecessary and unlawful. Speaking at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Kotek stressed that Oregon can manage its own public safety without federal interference.
Surprise Announcement Raises Alarm
Kotek revealed she learned of the order the same way residents did — through social media. She immediately contacted Trump and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noemb to oppose the decision. The governor underlined that Portland faces no insurrection or national security threat that could justify military action.
Local Leaders Unite Against Deployment
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson echoed her remarks, rejecting the White House’s claim that the city is unsafe. “The number of necessary troops here is zero,” Wilson said, urging Trump to reconsider. Both leaders argued federal troops would escalate tensions rather than improve security.
A Different Reality on the Ground
Contrary to depictions of Portland as violent, Kotek said the city is vibrant, with businesses thriving, families attending theatre shows, and fans filling stadiums. She insisted Portland is not a “war zone,” but a community moving forward since the protests of 2020.
Legal Challenge on the Table
The governor said she is consulting with Oregon’s Attorney General, Dan Rayfield, on legal options to block the federal order. She underscored that the U.S. Constitution limits the president’s power to deploy troops without state consent, framing the dispute as both a legal and civic issue.
Lessons From 2020
Images of violent protests during the summer of 2020 continue to shape national views of Portland, but city officials said the reality today is very different. Protests at federal facilities remain mostly peaceful and small, far from requiring federal intervention.
Calls for Calm and Community
Both Kotek and Wilson urged residents not to respond with violence, warning that clashes would only serve Trump’s narrative. Instead, they encouraged peaceful opposition and community engagement as the strongest form of resistance. “Oregon is our home,” Kotek said. “It is not a military target.”
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