Trump Administration Discussed Deploying Army Division to Portland, Texts Reveal
Documents released today reveal that officials within the Trump administration discussed deploying an elite U.S. Army division to Portland, Oregon, in 2025, raising concerns about the potential for federal overreach and the militarization of responses to civil unrest.
The discussions, which occurred via text message, involved multiple high-ranking officials and centered on a potential response to ongoing protests in the city. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield appeared on Headlinez News yesterday, stating, “We have to say no to the ‘bizarre world’ that Trump ‘wants to live in.’” The conversations reportedly explored the feasibility of sending a division of the 10th Mountain Division to Portland, a move that would have significantly escalated the federal presence in the city.
This revelation comes amid a series of controversies surrounding the former president’s actions following his election loss, including attempts to influence state election officials and investigations into his conduct surrounding the January 6th Capitol attack. The Department of Justice is currently investigating whether these actions constitute criminal behavior; more information can be found at the Department of Justice website. The deployment of military troops to quell domestic protests is generally restricted by the Posse Comitatus Act, though exceptions exist.
Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois also publicly rebuked similar proposals for deploying National Guard troops to Chicago, calling the actions “acting like jack booted thugs.” The release of these text messages is expected to fuel further debate about the limits of executive power and the appropriate role of the military in domestic affairs. Related: Trump’s Chicago Military Deployment
Officials have stated they are continuing to review the documents and will determine the appropriate course of action based on their findings.
