Portland, Oregon — The state’s governor has initiated legal action to block the deployment of 200 National Guard troops to the city, labeling the federal government’s characterization of Portland as “war-ravaged” as unfounded. Governor Tina Kotek announced the lawsuit in response to President Donald Trump’s claims that asserted federal control of the state’s reservists was necessary to combat purported lawlessness.
Kotek disclosed that the Pentagon informed her of the President’s decision to mobilize the troops, invoking authority to respond to what he described as an insurrection. Speaking at a news conference, Kotek emphasized, “There is no insurrection or imminent threat to public safety that warrants military intervention in Portland.”
A memorandum from the Pentagon indicated that the National Guard members would be activated for a duration of 60 days. Oregon’s Attorney General Dan Rayfield criticized the President’s actions as illegal, asserting they lacked justification since there was no widespread civil disorder, but rather a localized protest involving a small group of activists outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office.
Kotek reiterated that local law enforcement is equipped to handle the demonstrations. “We have peaceful gatherings occurring near a federal facility, all being supervised by law enforcement. Our police are managing the situation effectively, ensuring accountability when necessary,” she stated.
In her remarks, Kotek highlighted the erroneous nature of the President’s claims, noting that an alarming narrative about the situation in Portland stemmed from a single Fox News broadcast that conflated ongoing protests with past unrest. Rayfield pointed out that the President appears to be relying on misleading social media rather than accurate assessments of conditions on the ground.
Kotek detailed her attempts to clarify the reality to Trump during a recent phone call, expressing concern about his reliance on outdated and misleading information regarding the city. She described Portland as a revitalized community, years removed from the intense protests that characterized the summer of 2020.
The governor emphasized, “We cannot conflate video footage from years ago with current events. This is not a war zone; it’s a city moving forward.” Her statement reflects a broader sentiment among local leaders that mischaracterization of the city by federal authorities could undermine public trust and contribute to unnecessary tensions.
As the legal challenge unfolds, Kotek and Rayfield remain firm in their stance that the state can manage its public safety without federal interference, seeking to preserve local governance amid rising national tensions over law enforcement and civil rights.
