President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 300 California National Guard members to Oregon, a move announced by California Governor Gavin Newsom after a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration from deploying the Oregon National Guard to Portland.
Governor Newsom stated Sunday that the administration’s decision was an “abuse of the law and power” and pledged to challenge the action in court. He noted that the troops had been “federalized” and placed under the President’s command months earlier.
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Oregon Governor Tina Kotek confirmed the arrival of 101 California National Guard members by plane on Saturday night, with more expected. Kotek stated that there had been no formal communication from the federal government regarding the deployment and suggested the action was intended to “circumvent yesterday’s ruling by a federal judge.” Both Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said there was no need for military intervention in the city.
The deployment follows a temporary order issued Saturday by a Trump-appointed U.S. District Judge in Oregon, who blocked the use of the Oregon National Guard to protect federal property amid protests. The judge’s ruling suggested the scale of the protests did not justify using federalized forces.
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Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said the city is seeking legal options to halt any National Guard deployment, stating the action “circumvents the court’s decision.”
The White House and the Defense Department have offered no immediate public comment on the matter. President Trump also authorized the deployment of 300 Illinois National Guard troops to Chicago on Saturday.
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