September 29, 2025 – Washington, D.C.
President Donald J. Trump announced today that he will authorize the deployment of federal troops to Portland, Oregon, citing what he described as “a complete breakdown of law and order” and ongoing threats to federal property and personnel.
Speaking from the White House, Trump said the decision comes after “months of escalating violence, destruction, and targeted attacks on federal facilities,” particularly those housing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The announcement marks one of the most significant domestic military deployments of his second term.
“We will not stand by while radical anarchists, Antifa militants, and domestic terrorists threaten the safety of our citizens and our institutions,” Trump said. “Portland has become a symbol of chaos. That ends now.”
According to administration officials, approximately 300 active-duty military personnel and National Guard troops will be dispatched to Portland beginning later this week. The operation will focus on protecting federal buildings, assisting in crowd control if needed, and providing support to Department of Homeland Security agencies operating in the region.
This decision has already sparked strong reactions from Oregon’s state and local leaders. Governor Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Carmen Rubio both issued statements condemning the move, accusing the Trump administration of federal overreach and political theater.
“We have not requested military intervention and we do not support it,” said Governor Kotek. “The presence of federal troops has historically escalated tensions in our city, not calmed them.”
This is not the first time President Trump has deployed federal forces to Portland. During his first term in 2020, his administration sent Department of Homeland Security agents to the city during months of racial justice protests. That operation was widely criticized for its aggressive tactics and was later curtailed after negotiations with state officials.
This time, the White House says the deployment is more coordinated, and troops will operate under stricter rules of engagement. Pentagon sources indicated that military personnel will primarily serve in a support role, allowing DHS and ICE agents to remain the lead on direct enforcement actions.
Still, civil liberties groups have expressed alarm. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) released a statement calling the move “a dangerous militarization of domestic policing.”
Despite the controversy, Trump remained defiant in his announcement.
“I was elected to restore safety and strength to this country,” he said. “What’s happening in Portland is a disgrace, and we will not allow our federal officers to be under siege. These troops are there to support peace, not provoke conflict.”
The timeline for the deployment remains fluid, though sources within the administration say troops could remain in the area for several weeks or longer, depending on the level of unrest.
The situation in Portland continues to evolve. Whether the military presence will stabilize or further inflame tensions remains uncertain. For now, all eyes are on the Pacific Northwest as one of the nation’s most polarizing leaders takes another bold step in the name of law and order.