Trump's Ultimatum: Full Force Troops to Portland Amidst Rising Domestic Tensions

Thu Oct 16 2025 08:42:43 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a controversial escalation, President Trump announces troops deployment to Portland, labeling protesters as 'domestic terrorists.'

President Trump declared on social media that he authorized the military to send troops to Portland to protect ICE facilities. He condemned the protesters as 'domestic terrorists' and noted that the city is 'under siege.' The decision has sparked backlash from local officials who argue for their autonomy in handling local unrest.

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will deploy troops to Portland, Oregon, stating that he is prepared to use 'Full Force, if necessary' against what he labeled as 'domestic terrorists.' This move follows a series of controversial military interventions aimed at addressing perceived threats from protesters in American cities.

In his announcement via social media, Trump directed the Department of Defense to supply all necessary troops to protect what he referred to as 'War ravaged Portland.' He emphasized that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in the city have been under attack, specifically attributing the violence to Antifa and other activist groups.

This decision comes in the wake of heightened tensions following the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, which Trump has used to intensify his rhetoric against the 'radical left.' Previously, he deployed National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles, among other cities, as part of a broader law enforcement strategy in places experiencing political unrest.

Portland has been a focal point for recent protests, where demonstrations have often escalated to violence, leading to injuries among federal agents and multiple arrests of protesters. Earlier this month, the demonstration's intensity prompted the Department of Homeland Security to condemn the behavior of some activists, particularly after a symbolic guillotine was erected.

Trump's remarks suggested a planned operation against activists described as 'professional agitators and anarchists,' reinforcing his contentious framing of the protests. 'We’re going to get out there and we’re going to do a pretty big number on those people in Portland,' Trump stated, reflecting his administration's aggressive response to civil unrest.

Local officials, including Portland’s mayor Keith Wilson, have rejected the need for federal intervention, arguing that the city is equipped to handle its internal issues of unrest without outside military influence. Meanwhile, other cities, such as Memphis, are preparing for similar deployments of National Guard troops, reflecting a nationwide trend of escalating military presence in civilian contexts aimed at crime control.