Trump Administration Orders Oregon National Guard Deployment Amid State Opposition

The Trump administration has ordered 200 members of the Oregon National Guard into federal service for a 60-day deployment to protect federal property in Portland. This decision, communicated through a memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Governor Tina Kotek, has been met with strong opposition from state officials.

Governor Kotek expressed her disagreement with the deployment, stating that there is no public safety threat in Portland that necessitates military intervention. Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced that the State of Oregon and the City of Portland have filed a lawsuit challenging the federalization of the National Guard, arguing that the President lacks the authority under 10 U.S.C. § 12406, which permits federalization only in circumstances of invasion, rebellion, or when federal laws cannot otherwise be executed.

The Oregon National Guard has begun the process of mobilizing members with law enforcement experience to comply with the federal order. However, officials indicated that it could be several days before troops are deployed in Portland, as they undergo necessary vetting and training.

This deployment follows President Trump's recent social media statements describing Portland as "war-ravaged" and under siege from "domestic terrorists." Local officials have disputed this characterization, noting that recent protests have been small and largely peaceful.

The situation remains fluid as legal challenges proceed and preparations for the deployment continue.