Trump Orders Military to Employ 'Full Force' in Portland

Trump's Directive to Deploy Troops in Portland Sparks Controversy

President Donald Trump has taken a strong stance on domestic security, announcing that he has directed the Pentagon to send troops to “protect” Portland, Oregon. He emphasized that he is authorizing “full force, if necessary,” highlighting his commitment to safeguarding the city from what he describes as threats posed by groups like Antifa and other domestic terrorists.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: “At the request of Secretary of Homeland Security, 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.” This move comes just days after Trump officially designated Antifa as a domestic terror group, signaling a broader crackdown on leftwing organizations following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Reactions from Local Leaders

Portland’s mayor, Keith Wilson, criticized Trump’s order, calling it a “fruitless show of force.” He argued that there is no need for additional troops in the city, stating, “The number of necessary troops is zero, in Portland and any other American city. Our nation has a long memory for acts of oppression, and the president will not find lawlessness or violence here unless he plans to perpetrate it.”

This deployment marks an unprecedented use of the U.S. military for domestic purposes during Trump’s second term. Critics are concerned about the potential for using the threat of force to suppress dissent against his administration.

Historical Context and Previous Deployments

Trump’s actions in Portland are not new; they echo previous deployments of federal forces. In June, he sent 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to quell immigration protests—a move later deemed illegal by a federal judge. In August, he deployed the National Guard and federal agencies to Washington, D.C., and federalized the police force, citing crime as the reason, despite declining crime rates.

The president has also threatened to deploy the military to several more Democratic-run cities in response to criticism from local leaders, justifying these actions based on his perception of crime in those areas.

A Return to 2020 Protests

Trump’s focus on Portland dates back to his first term. The city has been a hub for leftwing protests for decades, particularly during the nationwide Black Lives Matter demonstrations in 2020. At that time, Trump sent federal forces to Portland to protect federal buildings from protesters, despite the wishes of local leaders.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown accused the Trump Administration of using Portland as a political “photo opportunity” and claimed the deployment “inflamed” rather than calmed the situation.

Recent Protests and Federal Response

In recent months, regular protests have occurred outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Portland. The Department of Homeland Security has blamed “Antifa-affiliated rioters” for these protests and documented what it calls “Antifa violence” in a press release prior to Trump’s announcement.

One incident highlighted by the DHS involved the arrest of a protester who shone a laser pen at an ICE officer. Another protester was arrested for hurling a smoke grenade back at federal officers, striking one in the forearm and abdomen. The DHS also claims that “Antifa” reveals personal information of ICE agents.

Political Responses and Concerns

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, a Democrat, expressed concern over the lack of information provided about the deployment. She stated, “There is no national security threat in Portland. Our communities are safe and calm.”

Senator Ron Wyden accused Trump of trying to incite violence in the city, writing, “Trump is launching an authoritarian takeover of Portland hoping to provoke conflict in my hometown.”

Mayor Wilson reiterated his position, emphasizing that Portland police have successfully protected freedom of expression while addressing occasional violence and property destruction during protests at the ICE facility.

Antifa Designated as a Domestic Terror Group

In a new White House Executive Order signed Monday evening, Trump declared Antifa a domestic terror organization. The order describes the group as a “militarist, anarchist enterprise that explicitly calls for the overthrow of the United States Government, law enforcement authorities, and our system of law.”

Antifa, short for anti-fascist, is a decentralized movement opposed to fascism and far-right ideologies. However, critics argue that the executive order lacks a legal basis and could infringe on First Amendment rights.

Patrick G. Eddington of the Cato Institute called the order “idiotic on multiple levels,” noting that there is no constitutional provision allowing a president to designate a domestic civil society organization as a “domestic terrorist organization.”