Cairo, Egypt – In a move analysts described as “an initial test of President Trump’s authority,” the White House announced the deployment of US forces to Portland, Oregon, in an attempt to contain left-wing protests and counter what the president considers “growing chaos” in the city.
Resolution Background: Portland Under the Microscope
The Washington Post reports that right-wing politicians have previously criticized Portland for its handling of racial justice protests and its homeless population, as well as its tolerance of downtown encampments.
Trump faces challenges similar to those he faced when deploying the National Guard in Los Angeles, where his decisions could face opposition from Democratic governors and even legal challenges in the courts.
A surprise announcement and the Pentagon is on tenterhooks.
The newspaper reported that Trump’s announcement on Truth Social while at his golf club in northern Virginia came as a surprise to Pentagon officials, with officials expressing uncertainty about the details of the plan and whether the deployment included active-duty military personnel.
