The state of Oregon has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration, following the President’s announcement of plans to send federal troops to Portland. This legal action was confirmed by state Attorney General Dan Rayfield on Sunday, highlighting the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities.
The situation escalated after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a memo to Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, authorizing the deployment of 200 members of the Oregon National Guard to Portland. According to Rayfield, these troops are set to be stationed in the city for a period of 60 days, ostensibly to safeguard federal property amid ongoing protests.
Rayfield’s lawsuit contends that President Trump does not possess the legal authority to federalize the National Guard in this manner. This argument echoes a similar lawsuit filed by California in June, after the administration sent troops to Los Angeles in response to protests.
“Oregon communities are stable, and our local officials have been clear: we have the capacity to manage public safety without federal interference,” Rayfield asserted in a statement. He criticized the deployment, stating, “Sending in 200 National Guard troops to guard a single building is not normal. If you had a concern about safety at your own home, you’d make a few calls and fill the gaps — not call in an army. What we’re seeing is not about public safety; it’s about the President flexing political muscle under the guise of law and order, chasing a media hit at the expense of our community.”
As the situation unfolds, CBS News has reached out to the White House for further comments on the matter. In a social media post on Saturday, President Trump declared that he had instructed Hegseth to send “all necessary Troops to protect war-ravaged Portland, and any other ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa and other domestic terrorists.”
Local officials, including Governor Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, have pushed back against the President’s rhetoric and his plans to deploy troops to the city. During a press conference on Saturday, Kotek emphasized that she had communicated directly with Trump, stating, “Our city is a far cry from the war-ravaged community he has posted on social media.” She noted that the President responded, “Let’s keep talking,” indicating a willingness to engage further.
Kotek firmly asserted, “There is no insurrection, there is no threat to national security, and there is no need for military troops in our major city. Military service members should be dedicated to real emergencies.” This statement underscores the growing frustration among local leaders regarding the federal government’s intervention in what they believe to be a manageable situation.
The lawsuit and the strong statements from Oregon’s leadership signal a broader resistance to federal overreach, particularly in matters of public safety and community governance. As communities across the country grapple with issues of policing and civil rights, Oregon’s legal challenge may set a precedent for other states facing similar federal actions. The ongoing dialogue between state and federal authorities will be crucial in determining the future of law enforcement and public safety in cities like Portland.
