Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has delivered a clear message to Portlanders: the city is not in crisis and does not need federal troops. Her remarks come after President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 200 National Guard members to Portland under federal control, citing public safety concerns.
Rejecting Trump’s Narrative
Speaking at a weekend press conference, Kotek directly pushed back against the President’s depiction of Portland as chaotic and unsafe. “Portland is doing just fine,” she said. “There is no insurrection. There is no threat to national security. This narrative is not real.”
Kotek noted that local and state law enforcement agencies are fully capable of handling any security issues without military intervention. She also stressed that Trump’s statements were based on outdated images and past protests, not the present reality in Oregon’s largest city.
Legal Challenge to Federal Orders
The governor, joined by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, has filed a lawsuit to block the federalization of the state’s Guard units. They argue that Trump’s move violates the Constitution and undermines Oregon’s authority to control its own security forces.
“This action is both unlawful and dangerous,” Kotek declared. “It strips Oregon of its right to protect its own citizens while escalating tensions unnecessarily.”
A Call for Calm and Unity
Kotek also addressed Portlanders directly, urging them not to let political drama fuel division. She reminded residents that the National Guard members being drawn into this dispute are also part of the community: “They are our neighbors, co-workers, and family members. We should not view them as outsiders, but we should also not allow Washington to misuse them.”
The governor encouraged people to remain peaceful and resist provocation. “Don’t take the bait,” she warned, underscoring that Trump’s framing of Portland as unstable is more about political theater than facts on the ground.
Community and Business Leaders Speak Out
Her stance has been echoed by Portland officials and community leaders. More than 100 Oregon organizations have signed a joint letter opposing the troop deployment, warning that it could destabilize neighborhoods and reverse years of civic progress. Business groups have also raised concerns, arguing that images of federal troops patrolling Portland could harm the city’s reputation and economic recovery.
A Clash Over Authority
The dispute highlights a broader constitutional conflict between federal power and state sovereignty. Trump’s order represents an unusually aggressive use of executive authority to override a governor’s control of the National Guard. Kotek’s legal challenge could set an important precedent for how far the federal government can go in domestic deployments.
The Road Ahead
As legal proceedings unfold, Kotek has assured Portlanders she will continue defending the city’s autonomy. “Our city is strong,” she concluded. “We will stand together, and we will not allow false narratives to define who we are.”
For now, her message to Portlanders is clear: the city is safe, united, and capable of standing on its own—without federal troops.
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