Trump Withdraws National Guard Troops

Photo: Getty Images

President Trump has announced the National Guard will leave Portland, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the troops are the reason crime is down. National Guard soldiers were only deployed inside of the ICE building in Portland for a few hours. They were never deployed on the streets of Portland. Trump says when crime soars -- quote -- we'll come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form. He says it's only a question of time. Federal judges have stopped the National Guard from being deployed in Portland until the case goes to trial.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek released this statement:

My office has not yet received official notification that the remaining federalized Oregon National Guard troops can return home. They were never lawfully deployed to Portland and there was no need for their presence. If President Trump has finally chosen to follow court orders and demobilize our troops, that’s a big win for Oregonians and for the rule of law.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson released this statement:

Portland’s substantial reduction in crime and violence is credited entirely to the hard work of the Portland Police Bureau, Office of Violence Prevention, innovative public safety programs and community leaders across the city. We are not clear on the claims made in this social media post, as National Guard troops were garrisoned locally but never deployed in Portland.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield's Statement:

“Portland never saw troops on its streets because the law prevailed, and similar efforts across the country have faced legal setbacks. We’re grateful for the professionalism of the Guard members caught in the middle of this legal fight. This outcome shows that standing up for the Constitution works. We look forward to seeing the formal orders that send them home to their families and communities safely.

“If the federal government attempts to revisit this effort, we are prepared to respond — again — in court.”