Oregon Officials Say Trump Is Manufacturing Chaos In Portland
After Trump recently authorized “full force” if necessary in Portland, a city he calls“war-ravaged,” Oregon Governor Tina Kotek called for calm and reiterated that troops are not needed, while other leaders believe the president is baiting Oregonians.
Leaders Call For Calm As National Guard Presence In Oregon Surges
After the peaceful “No Kings” protests across Oregon in June, assaults on ICE agents surged by 1,000%. Last month, Trump signed an executive order designating Antifa a domestic terror organization in response to the death of Charlie Kirk.
He has repeatedly cited Antifa, a nationwide organized movement often described by federal agencies as ideological rather than structured, to justify forceful intervention.
After President Trump directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to protect ICE facilities from what he called Antifa attacks last week, federal troops headed to Portland, a city Trump claims is under siege by domestic terrorists.
The deployment follows Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s request to Trump, who authorized “full force” if necessary.
In a press statement, Governor Kotek confirmed that, “There is no insurrection, there is no threat to national security, and there is no need for military troops in our major cities.”
NOW – Governor of Oregon: "there is no insurrection, there is no threat to national security and there is no need for military troops in our major city." pic.twitter.com/wdGECw2kFS
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) September 27, 2025
Kotek confirmed that the mission of members of the Oregon National Guard is to stand up and protect Oregonians, but they are not needed here.
She has reached out to the White House and Homeland Security for more information, as they have not been given the reason or purpose of any military mission.
Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read said Trump is baiting Oregonians as he is seeking a spectacle, not solutions, targeting communities to distract from his own failures at home and abroad. He said, “Don’t give him what he wants: stay peaceful, stay united, stay focused.”
Oregon US Senator Ron Wyden echoed Read’s message, urging Oregonians to reject Trump’s attempt to incite violence in what locals know is a vibrant and peaceful city. He said, “Trump is launching an authoritarian takeover of Portland, hoping to provoke conflict.”
Oregon US Senator Jeff Merkley indicated that Trump wants to stoke fear and chaos and trigger violent interactions and riots to justify expanded authoritarian control, urging residents not to engage in confrontations. He said, “Let’s not take the bait! Portland is peaceful and strong, and we will take care of each other.”
Kotek said, “There is no national security threat in Portland. Our communities are safe and calm.”