Pentagon Reduces National Guard Presence in Portland and Chicago Amid Legal Challenges

The Defense Department is withdrawing some National Guard troops from Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, Illinois, following legal challenges to their deployment. A defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that 200 California National Guard members in Portland and 200 Texas National Guard members in Chicago will return to their home states in the coming days.

The troop withdrawals were first reported by ABC News. On Friday night, the military's Northern Command indicated on X that adjustments were forthcoming to "ensure a constant, enduring, and long-term presence in each city."

"Our troops in each city (and others) are trained and ready, and will be employed whenever needed to support law enforcement and keep our citizens safe," U.S. Northern Command stated.

The defense official also noted that the upcoming holidays may have influenced the decision to withdraw out-of-state troops. Approximately 300 Illinois National Guard personnel will remain activated in Chicago, while the number of Oregon National Guard forces in Portland will be reduced from 200 to 100.

Over the past six months, President Trump has increased the use of the National Guard, citing the need to address crime, manage protests, and protect federal buildings and personnel. Local and state officials in Oregon and Illinois have criticized the troop deployments, describing them as unnecessary and accusing the president of overstepping his authority.

Courts have repeatedly blocked troops from conducting operations in the streets of Chicago and Portland after state and local leaders filed lawsuits.