In a press event that took place in Aylesbury, England on September 18, 2025, President Donald Trump was in attendance along with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The topic of the discussion was centered around the volatile situation unfolding in Portland, Oregon. Trump expressed his concern over the escalating conflicts between the Immigration and Customs enforcement (ICE) agents and persistent demonstrators, as well as the seeming indifference of the local authorities.
Asserting a stance of unyielding resolve in the face of rising unrest, President Trump has communicated his decisive intention to not yield the mandate of law and order. This commitment comes in response to growing tension between law enforcement officers and protesters, particularly in cities such as Portland, which has become emblematic of such confrontations.
Trump unveiled his resolution via Truth Social on a weekend post, quoting, “At the request of Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, I am instructing Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to supply all required military personnel to guard war-torn Portland, as well as other ICE facilities threatened by onslaughts from Antifa and further domestic terrorists.” The President’s message elucidates his commitment to safeguarding federal facilities under siege.
Portland is home to one of the United States’ oldest antifa organizations, the Rose City Antifa. The group has a long history of inciting disturbances with its demonstrative antics frequently escalating towards violent encounters. Trump echoed his firm stance against such activities in his post, authorizing the use of ‘Full Force’ if necessary.
While underscoring his determination to resolve the ongoing crisis, Trump thanked the audience for keeping abreast of the situation. This acknowledgement essentially highlights the urgency and significance of the matter, calling on citizens to rally behind the law enforcement agencies.
The Department of War promptly acknowledged the receipt of the President’s directive. Their official statement mentioned that they were cognizant of the President’s request to assemble further military personnel and channel them to Portland, highlighting the severity of the circumstances.
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, emphasized that the President’s move was a direct response to those instigating action against ICE. She asserted that the initiative of President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Noem aimed explicitly at restoring peace and order following several weeks of turbulent riots at ICE facilities.
McLaughlin further highlighted the seriousness of the situation by referring to recent assaults on law enforcement and the terrorist attack on their ICE facility in Dallas. She stood firm on the position, stating quite unequivocally that they would not let domestic terrorists inflict any harm on their law enforcement personnel.
However, the proposed intervention by the Trump administration has been met by resistance from Oregon officials, who argue that they do not require such external help. Oregon’s Democratic Governor, Tina Kotek, asserted that Oregon and Portland have the capacity to address their own local public safety needs.
Staunchly arguing against the narrative of a looming insurrection, Governor Kotek affirmed that no threat existed towards national security. In her view, the requirement of military troops in Portland, or any other American city for that matter, stands at zero.
Echoing Gov. Kotek’s sentiments, Mayor Keith Williams of Portland released a statement on the city’s official webpage. Mayor Williams categorically disputed any claims of lawlessness or violence in the city, asserting that no such conditions exist unless initiated by external forces.
Despite the assurances from local government officials, recent events tell a different story. Politico, among other sources, reported that anti-ICE protests have become commonplace, leading to numerous injuries sustained by ICE agents. Such developments have not gone unnoticed in higher circles.
President Trump himself called attention to the situation in Portland during a speech given on a Thursday. Referring to the people involved in the riots, he characterized them as ‘crazy’ and accused them of attempting to destroy buildings.
In all, the political landscape amidst these tensions remains in flux. With persistent unrest and difference in views between the federal and local officials, the challenges faced by law enforcement officers and local communities continue to evolve.
The post President Trump Addresses Portland Unrest in UK Press Event appeared first on Real News Now.
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