Portland: A major legal confrontation is set to unfold in Portland, Oregon, as a federal judge prepares to hear arguments on President Donald Trump’s controversial deployment of National Guard troops to the city. The hearing comes after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently indicated that Trump likely has the authority to mobilize state National Guard units, temporarily suspending a prior lower court order that blocked his initial plan. However, a second judicial order remains active, preventing the deployment of troops from any state, including California and Texas, which Trump had sought to use to bypass the first injunction.
Trump’s domestic use of the military has already drawn national attention, with National Guard units deployed in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and plans announced for other cities such as Chicago. Democratic-led states and city governments have mounted legal challenges, arguing that the deployments violate the 10th Amendment and federal statutes. Supporters within the administration contend that these measures are necessary to safeguard federal property and maintain order during ongoing protests.
At the center of the Portland case is U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, a Trump appointee, who initially blocked the deployment of Oregon National Guard troops. She stated that there was no evidence of a rebellion or serious interference with law enforcement to justify such a measure. The Justice Department is now urging Judge Immergut to lift her second order, claiming it is based on legal reasoning already rejected by the 9th Circuit. Meanwhile, Oregon officials are pushing to maintain the injunction and are seeking a broader judicial review of presidential authority over National Guard deployments.
The dispute began on September 27, when Trump ordered 200 National Guard troops to Portland, framing the action as necessary to manage protests and enforce immigration policies. Critics argue that the president exaggerated the severity of unrest to justify seizing control of state military units. Judge Immergut has characterized the administration’s description of Portland as “war-ravaged” as disconnected from factual evidence. She has scheduled a trial for October 29 to thoroughly evaluate the situation and the legal basis for troop deployment.
The Portland case represents a high-stakes test of presidential authority over domestic military forces. With appellate courts split on the issue, and Trump appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court, the outcome could set a significant precedent regarding the balance of power between federal and state governments in matters of domestic security.