Trump says he’s sending troops to ‘war ravaged’ Portland

President Trump said he’s sending troops to Portland, Oregon, to handle “domestic terrorists” blistering the city and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

Mr. Trump said the notion was requested by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

“I am directing Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists,” the president posted Saturday on Truth Social. “I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary.”

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, a Democrat, said Friday at a press conference with other city leaders that the influx of federal presence is “disappointing news.”

“We did not ask for them to come. They are here without precedent or purpose. We have seen how their presence harms commerce and prosperity and opportunity in other cities like Washington, D.C.,” he said.

“Imagine the federal government sent instead 100 teachers, or 100 engineers, or 100 addiction specialists,” he said.

He called the increased presence “just a big show.”

At the press conference, Sen. Jeff Merkley, Oregon Democrat, urged protesters not to “take the bait.”

“Our responsibility is to yes, express our views, yes, protest. But best done at a distance from these federal troops,” he said.

“President Trump has one goal,” Mr. Merkley said. “He wants to induce a violent exchange. Let us not grant him that wish. Let us be the force of orderly peaceful protests celebrating our rights as Americans to express ourselves and say no to an authoritarian president.”

Oregon’s other Democratic senator, Ron Wyden, confirmed late Friday on social media that an increased presence of federal agents may be hitting the city “with the goal of provoking conflict and violence in my hometown.”

He added, “I urge Oregonians not to fall into Trump’s attempt to incite violence. Just as I did in 2020, I will lead our delegation and state officials to oppose any unjustified increase in federal forces.”

Another Oregon Democrat, Gov. Tina Kotek, said in a statement, “My office is reaching out to the White House and Homeland Security for more information. We have been provided no information on the reason or purpose of any military mission. There is no national security threat in Portland. Our communities are safe and calm. I ask Oregonians to stay calm and enjoy a beautiful fall day. We will have further comment when we have more information.”

Earlier this month, Mr. Trump railed against anti-ICE protesters in Portland, saying they’re “paid terrorists [and] agitators.”

“They get paid money by radical left groups, not radical right groups, radical left groups, and they get paid a lot of money,” he told reporters in the Oval Office.

“They won’t even stand [to] fight. They will not stay there. They’ve ruined that city,” he said, adding that in Portland, “it’s like living in hell.”

Since the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Mr. Trump has vowed to crack down on the “radical left.”

He signed an executive order this week designating Antifa, short for anti-fascist, as a domestic terror organization.

“We are looking at the funders of a lot of these groups,” Mr. Trump said. “These are anarchists and agitators, professional anarchists, and they get hired by wealthy people, some of whom I know.” 

After the success he touted from the federal guard presence in the District of Columbia, he threatened to send troops to other cities such as Chicago and Baltimore.

He sent the National Guard to Los Angeles over the summer and announced this month that troops will land in Memphis, Tennessee, to combat crime.