Oregon Governor Fires Back After Trump Calls Eugene Protesters ‘Lunatics’ and Threatens Forceful Federal Response
In a Truth Social tweet, President Trump called Eugene protesters “lunatics,” threatened brutal pushback against protesters, and said there will be no federal intervention unless local leaders ask for it. Yesterday, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek responded, saying, “No, Oregon will not be intimidated.”
Oregon Responds To Trump’s Federal Intervention Tweet
Eugene police declared a riot on Friday evening at a protest at the Federal Building on 211 East 7th Avenue, urging people to leave the area.
The protest, which began at noon, saw hundreds rallying against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration’s deportation policies. By 6 p.m., tensions had escalated, and police indicated that some protesters had broken windows and breached the building, and ordered the crowd to leave.
Source: OPB reporting on the Eugene Federal Building protest and FBI Portland tip form timeline marker
Dailytidings.com
After the Eugene protest, in a social media post on Saturday, the President indicated that he instructed Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, that under no circumstances will the federal government participate in “poorly run Democrat Cities” over their Protests and/or Riots unless, and until, they ask for help. He added, however, that local leaders must first say “PLEASE.”
Trump vowed to “powerfully guard Federal Buildings that are being attacked by what he called ‘highly paid Lunatics, Agitators, and Insurrectionists,’ confirming that he instructed ICE and/or Border Patrol to be very forceful in this protection of Federal Government Property. He threatened that people would suffer consequences equal to, or more severe than, their actions.
Trump said,” BEWARE — ICE, Border Patrol or, if necessary, our Military, will be extremely powerful and tough in the protection of our Federal Property.”
At a press conference yesterday, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek responded, calling on the Trump administration to suspend its enhanced immigration enforcement until authorities have thoroughly investigated the federal government’s killing of protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last month, prompting large-scale protests in Minnesota and several other states.
Kotek emphasized Oregon protesters’ rights to assemble peacefully and vowed to do what was in her power to shield immigrants and communities of color in the state.
The Governor said they know the Trump administration’s aggressive ICE tactics are creating fear, tearing families apart, and taking lives.” Kotek said. “It’s wrong. It’s un-American, it’s immoral, and we as Oregon will stand together to say no to that.”
At the press conference, Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson said, “We have no intention of requesting federal forces in our community.”
Kotek agreed, saying, “Oregon will not be intimidated.” She said the Trump administration aims to inflict chaos on states and wants division. Kotek said, “And we’re just not going to give it to them.”