US President Donald Trump says US troops to ‘protect’ Portland facilities
US President Donald Trump says he will send troops to Portland, “authorizing Full Force, if necessary” to handle “domestic terrorists” as he expands his deployments to more American cities.
Oregon Democratic Governor Tina Kotek responded by saying Mr Trump was abusing his authority by ordering troops to the a city, which she said is doing “just fine” on its own.
Mr Trump made his announcement on social media, writing that he was directing the Department of Defense to “provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland”.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“This is an American city. We do not need any intervention,” Mayor Keith Wilson said at the news conference.
“This is not a military target.”
Ms Kotek said the president did not give a timetable for troops arriving. She said she told him the Oregon National Guard is not needed and she will call it up. Trump, however, deployed the guard in Los Angeles even though California Governor Gavin Newsom opposed it.
Ms Kotek urged the public to stay calm, saying any kind of property damage or violence won’t be tolerated.
“Let’s not take the bait,” she said.
“Let’s not respond to what the president is trying to do.”
Earlier on Saturday there was no sign of any federal presence downtown, where people jogged along the Willamette River, relaxed by a riverside fountain or rode bikes on a sunny autumn day.
“Where’s the emergency?” asked resident Allen Schmertzler, 72, who said he was “disgusted” by the president’s decision.
Another resident, John McNeur, 74, called Trump’s statement “ridiculous”.
“This place is not a city that’s out of control,” he said.
“It’s just a beautiful place.”
Mr Trump has also named Chicago and Memphis.
Mr Trump previously threatened to send the National Guard into Chicago but has yet to follow through.
A deployment in Memphis, Tennessee, is expected soon and will include only about 150 troops, far less than were sent to the District of Columbia for Trump’s crackdown on crime or in Los Angeles in response to immigration protests that turned violent with the troops’ arrival.
Mr Trump also sent Marines to Los Angeles.
with Reuters
