California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Sunday that U.S. President Donald Trump is dispatching 300 California National Guard members to Oregon. This decision comes after a judge temporarily blocked the deployment of Oregon’s guard to Portland by the Trump administration.
Newsom vowed to challenge this move in court, emphasizing that there was no official confirmation from Washington regarding the deployment of California National Guard members to Oregon, mirroring the situation when Illinois Governor made a similar announcement about activating troops in his state.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek revealed that 101 California National Guard members had arrived in Oregon by plane on Saturday night, with more expected to follow. Kotek mentioned the lack of formal communication with the federal government regarding the deployment, which she believed was a deliberate attempt to circumvent the court ruling issued on Saturday.
Expressing her stance against military intervention in Oregon, Kotek emphasized that there was no insurrection in Portland and no threat to national security. She asserted that Oregon should not be viewed as a military target but as a home for its residents.
A spokesperson for Kotek stated on Sunday that they could not confirm the current whereabouts of the National Guard members in Oregon, redirecting inquiries to the Defense Department. Similarly, the California National Guard and the Defense Department declined to comment on the situation, with no immediate response from the White House.
Newsom, a member of the Democratic party, criticized the deployment, describing it as an abuse of power and law. He highlighted that these troops had been federalized and placed under the president’s control months ago against his objections, following unrest in Los Angeles.
Reacting to the deployment, Newsom condemned the use of the U.S. military as a political tool against American citizens, vowing to pursue legal action and urging the public to speak out against what he referred to as authoritarian conduct by the president.
Meanwhile, a federal judge appointed by Trump in Oregon temporarily halted the administration’s plan to deploy the Oregon National Guard in Portland. The judge cited the relatively minor scale of protests in the city as insufficient justification for the use of federal forces, expressing concerns about potential infringement on Oregon’s state sovereignty.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson reiterated the city’s efforts to legally prevent any National Guard deployment, emphasizing the importance of upholding residents’ rights and maintaining peace.
Trump’s characterization of cities like Portland and Chicago as crime-infested and chaotic led to his authorization of deploying National Guard troops to these areas. The president’s actions have stirred controversy and opposition, with Portland residents and officials rejecting his portrayal of the city.
In response to Trump’s directives, various cities have witnessed heightened tensions and legal challenges, reflecting the ongoing debate over the role of federal forces in local law enforcement.
