Trump targets Portland for ‘clean up’ because it is ‘like living in hell’
President Donald Trump on Friday suggested he may send the National Guard into Portland, Oregon, claiming the ongoing protests in the city have made it feel “like living in hell.”
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump criticized the demonstrations—particularly those near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in South Portland—and described protesters as “paid terrorists” and “agitators” who he believes are endangering the country.
“Portland wasn’t on our list,” Trump told reporters. “But after what I saw last night on TV, I couldn’t believe it. If we go there, we’re going to wipe them out. They’re going to be gone, and they’re going to be gone fast.”
In response, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson issued a statement rejecting the need for federal involvement.
“Like many mayors across the U.S., I have not asked for and do not need help from the federal government,” Wilson said. “Portland police have effectively balanced protecting freedom of expression with addressing occasional violence and property damage at the ICE site.”
Wilson reaffirmed Portland’s identity as a sanctuary city and said the city will continue to defend its values through legal channels.
“We expect protests to continue at and around the ICE facility, but we will meet this moment with resolve and unity,” he said.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield also responded forcefully, promising legal action if federal troops are deployed.
“We’ve been preparing for this possibility since Trump returned to office,” Rayfield said. “If he sends troops to Oregon, we’ll take him to court. We’re working with our partners across the state and our multistate AG coalition to protect Oregon’s rights.”
Rayfield pointed to California as a model for resisting federal overreach and emphasized that Oregon remains a safe state—and intends to keep it that way.
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