Donald Trump has once again shared misinformation about Portland, Oregon, claiming on social media that National Guard troops he called up are “now in place” and restoring “LAW AND ORDER”. However, local reports and officials contradict this assertion.
Portland’s NBC affiliate KGW reported 90 minutes after Trump’s post that no guard members were present around the ICE field office where a small protest has been ongoing. The Oregon National Guard commander told state lawmakers that the 200 troops require another four to seven days of vetting and training before deployment, likely early next week.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek criticised the move, stating that Trump’s “unlawful federalization” could cost taxpayers up to $10 million for a 60-day deployment. She called it a “waste” and an “abuse of power”. Attorney General Dan Rayfield has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the deployment, arguing Trump’s description of Portland as “war ravaged” is “pure fiction”.
Trump continues to insist Portland resembles a war zone, citing television reports. However, Fox News used incorrectly dated footage from 2020 protests, and the network has relied on far-right outlets that exaggerate unrest. Portlanders have mocked Trump’s claims by posting images of their peaceful city.
