Governor Kotek releases a new, higher estimate for the cost of deploying Oregon National Guard troops to Portland

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon Governor Tina Kotek said Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s unlawful federalization of members of the Oregon National Guard - which the state calls illegal - could cost taxpayers up to $10 million over 60 days.

Kotek, who has strongly objected to the deployment, said the estimate was compiled by the Oregon Military Department. She said it accounts for salaries, supplies, food, lodging, and other costs associated with deploying 200 individuals for a period of 60 days.

"The Department of War has not disclosed details and scope of the mission, which could incur additional costs," the governor's office said in a brief news release. 

“Our country and our state should be focused on solving real problems,” Governor Kotek said. “Wasting an estimated $10 million on made up problems is an insult to Americans who are struggling with the cost of living, access to affordable health care, safety in their neighborhoods, and more. Not only is this an abuse of power, it is a dereliction of the president’s duty to solve real problems.”