Trump Seizes Control of Oregon National Guard as Governor Kotek Fights Back
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek received an email notification from the Department of War, invoking Title 10 of the US Code, on Sunday morning, indicating that the Oregon National Guard has been federalized. The governor and other state leaders are fighting back, including an approach to the court seeking an injunction against the Trump Administration.
Trump Commands Oregon National Guard After Invoking Title 10
Title 10, which is often associated with federalized National Guard duty, signifies federal active duty service, which is federally funded and controlled, similar to active-duty military personnel.
Trump invoked Title 10 Sunday morning following months of protests in Portland, claiming that the city is “war-ravaged.” Leaders and locals deny that there is any truth in these claims.
In response, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek held a virtual press conference yesterday, joined by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson. At the outset, the governor stated that it was a sad day for our country and for the state of Oregon.
She confirmed that she spoke with Trump and told him in very plain language that there is no insurrection or a threat to public safety that necessitates military intervention in Portland or any other Oregon city.
Portland has a long and proud history of protests. However, some turned violent, especially following George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis police in 2020. At the time, the Trump administration sent hundreds of agents to protect federal property from vandalism.
But the recent Portland protests have been predominantly peaceful and focused on the ICE detainment facility in the city. At the start of these,
Trump sent troops to Portland, where protesters and ICE agents came face to face with minor clashes. Many protesters were detained by local law enforcement.
Kotek confirmed that Oregon has a long and proud history of leading the nation in social justice movements, but that law enforcement had the situation under control.
Kotek said, “The president has chosen to disregard Oregonians’ safety and ability to govern themselves. This is not necessary, and I believe it’s unlawful, and it will make Oregonians less safe.”
Oregon Files Lawsuit To Pause Title 10 National Guard Invocation
The governor confirmed that, since the invocation of Title 10, the Oregon National Guard is now officially under the command of Trump. AG Rayfield confirmed that by 2 pm yesterday, the Oregon Department of Justice (ODOJ) had filed a lawsuit in Portland in the United States District Court for Oregon to protect Oregon and its values.
In the lawsuit, brought by the State of Oregon and the City of Portland, the plaintiffs are seeking a temporary restraining order to pause the actions of the president and his subordinates.
While media from the 2020 protests suggested difficulties in Portland, this is not currently the case. AG Rayfield said, “The president is purposefully ignoring the reality on the ground in Portland to score political points, or at best, he is recklessly relying on social media gossip.”
Rayfield confirmed that the only conditions under which Title 10 can be invoked are when a state is being invaded, and confirmed that these conditions don’t exist in Oregon. The lawsuit seeks to stop the federal action from occurring before it starts. ODOJ hopes to be in front of a judge within the week.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson noted that it’s a fight for our values across our nation. He said, “We don’t need troops on our soil in Portland. Portland is not an enemy.”
The governor suggested that Oregonians express their feelings about this lawfully and peacefully. She said, “Because that’s who we are as Oregonians.”