Protection or provocation: Political Portlanders weigh-in on Trump’s order to deploy troops
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Sunday, Oregon’s top leaders pushed back against President Trump’s plan to send troops into Portland.
Governor Tina Kotek, Attorney General Dan Rayfield, and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson spoke of their efforts against Trump’s order for troops. They also discussed hopes of working with the federal government on what they feel are the real issues affecting Portland.
“It's actually un-American, if you think about it, to use the military against our own citizens. But that's exactly what's happening right now,” said Attorney General Rayfield.
Governor Kotek said, when she spoke with President Trump on Saturday, she made her intentions clear.
“When the President and I spoke yesterday, I told him in very plain language that there is no insurrection or threat to public safety that necessitates military intervention in Portland," stated Kotek.
Mayor Wilson said the City of Portland has grown tremendously over the past few years.
“We are having a resurgence that we're so proud of. We have been working hard to repair, restore, revitalize our community and it is working,” Wilson said.
Officials say they’ll keep resisting what they call federal overreach.
Attorney General Rayfield has filed a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration -- he expects to be in front of a judge this coming week.
But, many Oregonians say the move by Trump raises big questions about presidential power and state rights.
In the last decade, Portland has garnered national attention for what some call extreme forms of activism. Now, the possibility of troops on city streets is reigniting debates — over states’ rights, executive authority, and civil liberties.
Portland activist and 50501 Portland board member, Toro, spoke with KTVZ News about what she says is the actual reality of the city.
“We’re seeing people stand up for their cities and for their communities, which is pretty much the opposite of terrorism. And that’s what’s going on in Portland right now,” Toro said.
For those fighting back against Trump’s announcement, they claim the administration’s rhetoric of “emergency” and “terrorism” is a deliberate attempt to sow fear.
“We are living in a time in which we are being bombarded by scary news...things that are meant to make us feel afraid. But we cannot let the administration burn us out. We need to very strategically show up and give our voices…treating everything like an emergency will certainly burn us out,” Toro said.
Political scientists, though, say there’s more at play than fear. Portland State University professor of politics, Bruce Gilley, highlights how the city has positioned itself in conflicts over federal authority.
“The Constitution gives the federal government certain powers, and it’s not up to the states to opt in or out as they choose. That balance has been tilting toward states reasserting autonomy — a dangerous precedent that should be seen as dangerous by everyone in the political spectrum,” said Gilley.
Portland may offer a stage for Trump with little political downside. Gilley points out — there’s no cost to the Trump administration for angering people in a blue city.
“It’s not even close to a swing state. So it’s actually a perfect place for him to do this. He wants to signal to other jurisdictions — if you don’t get your house in order, we will send in troops to enforce immigration law,” Gilley said.
In Central Oregon, Representative Emerson Levy urged people in Portland to stay inside and not engage if troops arrive. Some agree, saying if protests get out of hand, it will help justify Trump’s order. Others argue exercising first amendment rights is an effective way to fight back, when done peacefully.
While there is no known date for when, or if, troops will arrive in Portland, the city’s fate is expected to be decided in the coming week.
