Journalism of Courage
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he will send troops to Portland, Oregon, to confront what he called “domestic terrorists,” widening his use of federal forces in US cities.
Trump made the announcement on social media, saying he had ordered the Department of Defense to “provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland.” He added: “I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary.”
He said the move was needed to protect US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, which he described as “under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.”
The Republican president has stepped up his response after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, blaming what he calls the “radical left” for political violence in the country.
Earlier this month, Trump said living in Portland was “like living in hell” and signalled that he was considering sending in federal troops, as he has threatened in other cities, including Chicago and Baltimore.
He previously deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles over the summer and sent forces as part of his law enforcement actions in Washington, DC.
In Tennessee, the city of Memphis is preparing for National Guard deployments. On Friday, Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, confirmed that troops would be sent as part of broader efforts to fight crime.
