Oregon’s Leaders React To Federal Judge Blocking President Trump’s National Guard Order In Oregon – KXL

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon’s leaders are reacting to a federal judge’s ruling that temporarily blocks President Trump from sending the Oregon National Guard to Portland.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek responded by calling the decision a validation of her administration’s efforts to resist what she described as “baseless and dangerous federal overreach.”

“Today’s ruling validates what Oregonians already know: justice has been served, and the truth has prevailed,” Kotek said. “There is no insurrection in Portland. No threat to national security. No fires, no bombs, no fatalities due to civil unrest. The only threat we face is to our democracy — and it is being led by President Donald Trump.”

Attorney General Dan Rayfield, whose office argued the case in court, echoed the governor’s assessment.

“The court agreed with our position. Today’s ruling is a healthy check on the president,” Rayfield said. “Members of the Oregon National Guard are not a tool for him to use in his political theater.”

The legal battle stemmed from Trump’s attempt to send federally controlled National Guard troops to Portland amid ongoing protests. Oregon officials maintained that the deployment was politically motivated and legally unjustified.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson had this to say:

“Today’s outcome is proof that Portlanders’ commitment to peaceful expression and civic unity truly matters,” said Mayor Keith Wilson. “We have not met aggression with aggression. We’ve stood firm, calm and grounded in our shared values and that is why this decision went our way. Portland has shown that peace is power.”

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., also applauded the decision, saying it reinforces what many in the state have long asserted.

“Today’s victory clearly supports what Oregonians already know: we don’t need or want Donald Trump to provoke conflict by deploying federal troops in our state,” Wyden said. “I will keep working with local and state officials to ensure Trump does not keep wasting millions of taxpayer dollars to make Portland the center of his perverse fantasy about conducting assaults on U.S. cities.”

Kotek concluded her statement by urging Oregonians to remain vigilant and united.

“Oregon remains united and ready to defend our values and our rights — today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes,” she said.

The temporary restraining order will remain in effect as the broader legal challenge proceeds.