WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would send additional troops to Portland, Oregon, stating he is 'authorizing Full Force, if necessary' to confront what he describes as 'domestic terrorists.' This announcement signals an escalation in his approach to dealing with unrest in various cities as he deploys military personnel to respond to civil turmoil.
Trump conveyed via social media that he directed the Department of Defense to 'provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland.' According to him, this move is crucial for safeguarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, which he claims are being attacked by Antifa and other groups he deems as radical elements exacerbating political violence in the country.
The announcement comes after a series of protests and confrontations directed at federal agencies, with federal agents reportedly injured during these heated demonstrations. Trump has repeatedly criticized the 'radical left' for the unrest plaguing the nation, a stance that has been met with significant backlash from local leaders.
Portland's mayor, Keith Wilson, responded to Trump's threats by asserting that he had neither requested nor required federal intervention, asserting the city’s commitment to protecting the right to protest while also addressing instances of violence and vandalism. As Trump expands his military presence in urban centers, he continues to frame these actions as necessary for restoring order amidst rising crime rates and civil disorder.
Trump conveyed via social media that he directed the Department of Defense to 'provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland.' According to him, this move is crucial for safeguarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, which he claims are being attacked by Antifa and other groups he deems as radical elements exacerbating political violence in the country.
The announcement comes after a series of protests and confrontations directed at federal agencies, with federal agents reportedly injured during these heated demonstrations. Trump has repeatedly criticized the 'radical left' for the unrest plaguing the nation, a stance that has been met with significant backlash from local leaders.
Portland's mayor, Keith Wilson, responded to Trump's threats by asserting that he had neither requested nor required federal intervention, asserting the city’s commitment to protecting the right to protest while also addressing instances of violence and vandalism. As Trump expands his military presence in urban centers, he continues to frame these actions as necessary for restoring order amidst rising crime rates and civil disorder.
