Trump says he’ll send troops to Portland, Oregon, to handle ‘domestic terrorists’

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Saturday he will send troops to Portland, Oregon, to handle “domestic terrorists” as he expands his controversial deployments to more American cities.

He made the announcement on social media, writing that he was directing the Department of Defense to “provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland.”

“I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary,” Trump said.

Trump said the decision was necessary to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, which he described as “under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.”

“I have spoken to Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and offered my support and Seattle’s collective support,” Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said in a post on X Saturday morning. “Trump’s threats against American cities are illegal, authoritarian, and an attempt to silence free speech and intimidate the American people. We stand united.”

I have spoken to Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and offered my support and Seattle’s collective support. Trump’s threats against American cities are illegal, authoritarian, and an attempt to silence free speech and intimidate the American people. We stand united.

— Mayor Bruce Harrell (@MayorofSeattle) September 27, 2025

According to KOIN-TV in Portland, Oregon leaders have spoken out against the move.  Oregon Democratic U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said it is the beginning of an “authoritarian takeover.”

“Trump is launching an authoritarian takeover of Portland in the hopes of provoking conflict in my hometown,” Wyden said, according to KOIN.  “I urge Oregonians to reject Trump’s attempt to incite violence in what we know is a vibrant and peaceful city. I will do everything in my power to protect the people in our state.”

Trump’s announcement came one day after Oregon leaders, including Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, held an emergency news conference to warn of signs of a beefed-up federal presence at Portland’s ICE facility.

Since the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the Republican president has escalated his efforts to confront what he calls the “radical left,” which he blames for the country’s problems with political violence.

Earlier in September, Trump had described living in Portland as “like living in hell” and said he was considering sending in federal troops, as he has recently threatened to do to combat crime in other cities, including Chicago and Baltimore.

He deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles over the summer and as part of his law enforcement takeover in the District of Columbia.

In Tennessee, Memphis has been bracing for an influx of National Guard troops, and on Friday Republican Gov. Bill Lee said they will be part of a surge of resources to fight crime in the city.