President Donald Trump Saturday authorized military deployment in Portland to fight domestic terrorists, days after the city saw an increased presence of federal agents. “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,” the president wrote in a post on Truth Social. “I am also authorizing Full Force, if necessary,” Trump added. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!”Earlier this week, Trump signed an order formally designating antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, giving the U.S. government a broad mandate to probe the anti-fascist movement’s operations or any instances where an antifa member “provided material support.”“Individuals associated with and acting on behalf of Antifa further coordinate with other organizations and entities for the purpose of spreading, fomenting, and advancing political violence and suppressing lawful political speech,” the White House said in the order that Trump signed on Monday.
What happened in Portland ?
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said late Friday that there were “credible” reports that federal agents “may be replaying the 2020 playbook and surging into Portland with the goal of provoking conflict and violence in my hometown,” adding that he was in “close” contact with local state officials. “Portland is a peaceful, vibrant city with no need for federal agents on our streets. I urge Oregonians not to fall into Trump’s attempt to incite violence,” Wyden said. “Just as I did in 2020, I will lead our delegation and state officials to oppose any unjustified increase in federal forces.”The official X handle of Portland called the increased presence of federal agents a ‘bait’ and asked people to not take the bait. “City and county leaders, congressional representatives and faith leaders hosted a press conference Friday night to discourage the federal government from escalating tension in Portland – and encourage Portlanders to voice their opinions peacefully,” it said. “We need federal help. We need federal help to renew our infrastructure, and build affordable housing, to help clean our rivers and plant trees, and imagine the future of high-speed transportation,” said Mayor Keith Wilson. “Instead of help, they’re sending armored vehicles and masked men. If the federal government didn’t come to lend us a hand, then take a hike.”“We have a place at the table for everyone willing to lend a hand, the federal government included. However, we have no tolerance for anyone in Portland who uses this difficult moment to hurt people or damage our home.”