PORTLAND, Ore. — National Guard troops have arrived in Washington, D.C., on orders from President Donald Trump to address what he has labeled a “crime emergency” in the nation’s capital. The troops are expected to support local police and may also help clear homeless encampments.
During the announcement, Trump also criticized crime rates in cities like Chicago and Oakland, prompting some in Portland to wonder whether he might attempt to send the Oregon National Guard to tackle local crime.
Mixed Reactions in Oregon
Opinions among Oregonians are divided.
“What he’s essentially doing is starting martial law in D.C.,” said Arejonna Bowen. “I don’t think it’s contributing to peace.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Donald Trump would send troops,” added Sebastian Pedraza. “I personally wouldn’t like it.”
Others see potential benefits. Richard Albidress pointed to safety concerns: “(Criminals) are shooting you, they’re stabbing you, they’re running you over. So what Trump is doing in D.C., if he were to do that in Portland, I don’t see a bad thing about it, I see a good thing about it.”
Legal Limits Outside D.C.
While the president can assume control of D.C.’s police for up to 30 days, the same authority does not apply to U.S. states. Norman Williams, a constitutional law professor at Willamette University College of Law, explained that a 1997 U.S. Supreme Court ruling prevents the federal government from compelling state and local officials to perform regular law enforcement duties.
Given that precedent, Williams believes the move in D.C. is “more of a political stunt” than a crime-fighting measure, especially since local officials report crime there is declining.
He also suggested the action might be aimed at influencing ongoing litigation in California. In June, Trump federalized the California National Guard, sending troops to Los Angeles to protect federal buildings and assist in immigration enforcement. California’s governor sued, challenging the constitutionality of the move, with the trial beginning this week.
“I think Oregon and Portland officials should be watching this California litigation very closely,” Williams said.
Governor Kotek’s Response
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek criticized the president’s decision in D.C., calling it an “alarming disregard for the authority of cities and states.”
“As the Commander-in-Chief of the Oregon National Guard, I remain committed to only deploying the Guard when our mission is clear, purposeful, and supports the primary mission to protect Oregonians,” Kotek said.
She also confirmed there has been no indication from the federal government of plans to send troops to Oregon.
What’s Next in D.C.
The White House said it will reassess the National Guard presence in D.C. once the 30-day period allowed by law expires, leaving open the question of whether the deployment will be extended or expanded.
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