Trump’s False Portland Guard Claim Draws Swift Condemnation
President Donald Trump disseminated an inaccurate statement regarding the deployment of National Guard troops in Portland, Oregon, on Wednesday, claiming on social media that forces were “now in place” to restore “LAW AND ORDER.” This assertion quickly faced refutation from local media and state officials, highlighting a significant disconnect between federal declarations and the reality on the ground in the Pacific Northwest city.
Approximately 90 minutes after Trump’s post, Portland’s NBC News affiliate KGW reported that no members of the Oregon National Guard had yet been deployed around the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office. This location has been the site of a relatively small protest, where dozens of individuals have demonstrated against immigration sweeps since June, in an otherwise tranquil urban environment.
Deployment Delays and Reality
The Oregon National Guard itself did not immediately comment on the President’s premature announcement. However, Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, a spokesperson for the guard, had previously informed Oregon Public Broadcasting earlier in the week that the 200 troops mobilized for potential deployment would require until at least Thursday for essential vetting and training before they could be activated. The planned deployment is slated to comprise personnel either trained as military police or certified by Oregon’s state police standards agency, underscoring the structured process involved in such operations.
The President’s social media declaration sparked immediate and forceful criticism from Oregon’s Governor, Tina Kotek. On Wednesday, Governor Kotek issued a scathing statement, denouncing what she termed “Donald Trump’s unlawful federalization of members of the Oregon National Guard.”
Governor Kotek’s Fiscal and Ethical Outcry
Kotek emphasized the substantial financial implications of such a move, citing an estimate from the Oregon Military Department (OMD) that the deployment could burden taxpayers with costs reaching up to $10 million. This significant sum, according to the OMD, encompasses salaries, necessary supplies, food, lodging, and various other expenditures associated with stationing 200 guard members in Portland for a period of 60 days.
“Our country and our state should be focused on solving real problems,” Governor Kotek asserted. She further elaborated on her concerns, stating, “Wasting an estimated $10 million dollars on made up problems is an insult to Americans who are struggling with the cost of living, access to affordable health care, safety in their neighborhoods and more.” Kotek did not mince words, characterizing the President’s actions as not merely an “abuse of power” but also a “dereliction of the president’s duty to solve real problems.”
Legal Challenge to Federal Intervention
Adding another layer to the controversy, Oregon’s Attorney General, Dan Rayfield, took legal action over the weekend. He filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to block the proposed deployment of the Oregon National Guard. Rayfield’s legal argument centers on the claim that President Trump’s characterization of Portland as “war ravaged” is a gross misrepresentation of the peaceful city, thereby undermining the justification for federal intervention.
The dispute highlights a growing tension between federal executive power and state autonomy, particularly concerning the deployment of local security forces. As the legal challenge proceeds and state officials continue to push back against the federal narrative, the situation in Portland remains a focal point of national debate over governance, local control, and the appropriate use of military personnel in civilian contexts.
Source: The Guardian
