PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued a strong rebuke Saturday to President Donald Trump’s announcement that federal troops would be sent to Portland. Speaking at a press conference along the Willamette River, Kotek said the city does not face an insurrection or national security threat and emphasized there is “no need for federal troops in Portland.”
Trump Announces Deployment
On Truth Social, Trump declared that he was sending federal forces to Portland to “protect” the city and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. He described the city as “war ravaged” and claimed it was under attack by “antifa and other domestic terrorists.”
The president added that the order came at the request of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and directed “Secretary of War” Pete Hegseth to mobilize troops. Trump also wrote that he was authorizing “Full Force, if necessary,” though he did not clarify what that would entail.
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Governor Pushes Back
Kotek said she personally spoke with the president before the announcement, making it clear she opposed any troop deployment. “I asked him not to send troops. I told him we are taking care of it and have full faith and confidence in local law enforcement,” she said. “We do not need federal troops.”
She added that communication from the White House had been lacking: “We had no proactive communication until I reached out.”
Kotek confirmed she also contacted Homeland Security Secretary Noem to stress that federal intervention was unnecessary.
Local Leaders United
The governor was joined at the press conference by Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, and Portland Police Chief Bob Day. Collectively, they echoed Kotek’s message that local authorities are capable of managing public safety.
Mayor Wilson stated firmly that there is “zero” need for federal troops in Portland, while Bonamici called the move a “gross misuse of presidential power.”
Chief Day said the Portland Police Bureau’s role was to remain neutral and ensure safety. “We aim to be a steady, peaceful presence that ensures safety for all,” he explained.
Rejecting Escalation
Kotek emphasized she has no plans to call in the Oregon National Guard or State Police. She urged residents not to react provocatively if federal agents arrive, warning, “Do not take the bait.”
The governor is coordinating with Attorney General Dan Rayfield to evaluate possible legal responses to the president’s order. She admitted that as of Saturday afternoon, there was no evidence federal troops were on the ground in Oregon.
National Context
Portland is not alone in facing the threat of federal intervention. Kotek said she has spoken with Governors JB Pritzker of Illinois and Gavin Newsom of California, both of whom dealt with similar threats during past disputes with the Trump administration.
Mayor Wilson also cited conversations with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who shared strategies on how Chicago managed after being threatened with troop deployments.
Opposition from State and Federal Officials
While Oregon leaders rejected the move, not all federal officials aligned with Kotek. U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer publicly thanked Trump for sending agents to Portland. But state and city leaders reiterated their unified stance that the city is safe and under control without federal forces.
Portland Remains Safe, Leaders Say
Kotek closed the press conference by underscoring Portland’s stability and unity. “Portland is a safe city. People can be comfortable being here. We are one group, we are united. And I will keep telling the president that.”
Despite Trump’s claims of chaos, local leaders remain confident in their ability to manage public safety without federal intervention. For now, the city awaits clarity on whether troops will actually be deployed — but Oregon’s message to Washington is clear: federal troops are not welcome.
