Trump Orders Troops into Blue City for ‘War’ on ICE Protests
The president has set his sights on Portland, Oregon

Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Another Democrat-run city has entered Donald Trump’s crosshairs.
The president announced on Saturday that he is sending troops to “war-ravaged” Portland, Oregon, and is “authorizing full force, if necessary.”
“At the request of Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, I am directing Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
The White House did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Truth Social
Truth Social
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek wrote on X that her office was given “no information” on Trump’s announcement.
“My office is reaching out to the White House and Homeland Security for more information,” she wrote.
Get the best of The Beast delivered right to your inbox
By clicking “SUBSCRIBE” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
“We have been provided no information on the reason or purpose of any military mission. There is no national security threat in Portland. Our communities are safe and calm.”
My office is reaching out to the White House and Homeland Security for more information. We have been provided no information on the reason or purpose of any military mission. There is no national security threat in Portland. Our communities are safe and calm. pic.twitter.com/v9EVDQlXrK
— Governor Tina Kotek (@GovTinaKotek) September 27, 2025
It’s unclear whether his invasion into the blue city will come to fruition. Trump has repeatedly threatened to seize control of Chicago, which has yet to happen. A deployment in Memphis, Tennessee, is expected to include only about 150 troops, the Associated Press reported.
He has, however, already deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests and D.C. as part of his so-called crime crackdown in the nation’s capital.
Credible statistics show crime has decreased lately, and Guard troops with little to do are picking up trash and gardening in D.C..

WASHINGTON, AUGUST 26: U.S. National Guard troops spread mulch around the Tidal Basin near the National Mall on August 26, 2025 in Washington.
The Washington Post/Tom Brenner for The Washington Post via Getty Images
The ICE facility in Portland has a history as a hotbed for protests which have led to violent clashes that left federal agents injured and protesters charged with assault.
Earlier this month, protesters erected a guillotine outside of the building, according to the Associated Press, adding that a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security described the display as “unhinged behavior.”
“Like other mayors across the country, I have not asked for -– and do not need -– federal intervention,” Portland’s mayor, Keith Wilson, said in a statement after Trump’s threat, the outlet reported.
Wilson said his city had protected freedom of expression while “addressing occasional violence and property destruction.”
Democratic Senator Ron Wyden responded to Trump’s announcement on Saturday, urging residents in his state to “reject Trump’s attempt to incite violence in what we know is a vibrant and peaceful city.”
Trump is launching an authoritarian takeover of Portland hoping to provoke conflict in my hometown. 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. https://t.co/qT1gG1u270
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) September 27, 2025
Unlock a year of full access to The Looker and The Daily Beast for $35.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Looker and The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
Sign in
Login dialog


ADVERTISEMENT
Sign in or create an account
Login dialog
Loading comments…
ADVERTISEMENT