President Trump authorized military troops in Portland, Oregon, on Saturday, giving them authority to use "full force."
The big picture: After sending the National Guard to Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, this summer, the president has made public his consideration of deploying troops to Democrat-led cities including Portland, New Orleans and Chicago.
State of play: "At the request of Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, I am directing Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists," Trump said on Truth Social.
- "I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary."
What they're saying: Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said in a news release responding to Trump's order on Saturday, "The number of necessary troops is zero, in Portland and any other American city."
- Wilson made the statement after a press conference on Friday night reporting a "sudden influx" of federal agents and armored vehicles in the city.
- "They're here without clear precedent or purpose," Wilson said.
He added, alluding to the possibility of a government shutdown, that the agent influx is "against a national backdrop of a federal government that might not even be open in a week's time.
- "This federal mobilization is a distraction. Imagine if the federal government sent instead 100 teachers or 100 engineers or 100 addiction specialists."
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) confirmed reports of federal agents in the city on social media Friday and said he is in close contact with state and local officials.
- "I urge Oregonians not to fall into Trump's attempt to incite violence," he said. "Just as I did in 2020, I will lead our delegation and state officials to oppose any unjustified increase in federal forces."
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional statements.
