Seattle, Portland leaders join state officials in rejecting Trump's PNW troop deployment
WA leaders react to Trump's troop deployment to Portland
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Governor Ferguson and Senator Patty Murray are among a growing number of elected leaders admonishing the deployment of military force to Portland for reasons locals in the Pacific Northwest city say make no sense and are a waste of money.
PORTLAND, Ore. - President Donald Trump has announced plans to send troops to Portland, Oregon, citing the need to protect ICE facilities and combat Antifa. The announcement, made Saturday, described Portland as "war-ravaged," and armored vehicles were reportedly seen around the city Friday night.
Locals in Portland remained confused by the deployment, seen shopping at farmers markets and walking their dogs with people riding Lime bikes behind them during interviews in the downtown area hours after Trump's announcement.
Oregon's response to Trump's deployment of military forces in Portland
Additionally, Oregon leaders are pushing back against the deployment. Governor Tina Kotek stated she spoke directly with Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, warning that deploying troops to the city would be unlawful.
Sunday afternoon, Oregon's Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration for the federalization of the National Guard on behalf of the state of Oregon and the city of Portland.
"Oregon communities are stable, and our local officials have been clear: we have the capacity to manage public safety without federal interference," read a portion of the weekend announcement. Gov. Kotek reportedly received a notice of 200 members of the National Guard being activated by the administration to protect protest areas or areas where protests could potentially occur.
Truth Social post from President Donald Trump
Local perspective:
Residents of Portland expressed confusion and concern over the president's comments. One resident described the situation as "a little delusional," suggesting that those making such statements may not have visited the city or understood the local context.
Another resident voiced anger, calling the move a political ploy to distract from other issues in the Trump administration and a waste of resources that would upset many Portlanders.
Portland residents, along with Gov. Kotek, talk about President Trump's decision to put troops in Portland
The Trump administration has previously deployed National Guard troops to other cities, including Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Memphis, showing no signs of halting these actions.
Local leaders in the Pacific Northwest are reacting to Trump's troops
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson expressed deep concern over the situation in Portland. While he has not heard of similar plans for Washington state, he says his office has been preparing for the possibility for some time now.
What they're saying:
"The governor is deeply concerned about developments in Portland and is monitoring the situation closely. While we have not received any information indicating there will be mobilization in Washington, the governor and his team have been preparing for such a possibility for some time," said a spokesperson for the governor's office.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell responds to Trump's comments on Portland and his move to send in troops to the Pacific Northwest city about 200 miles south of Seattle.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell says he has spoken with Portland's mayor, offering support to the city. Harrell described Trump's threats as illegal and authoritarian, aimed at silencing free speech and intimidating the American people.
Washington Senator Patty Murray has called on leaders nationwide to oppose the Trump administration's actions, urging the president to keep the Northwest out of his plans.
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