Trump’s Troubling Response: Threatening Troops to Portland After Misinterpreting 2020 Protest Footage

Donald Trump recently spoke to reporters about possibly sending National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon. He seemed to be confused, believing protests were still widespread due to misleading news reports. He mentioned seeing what he thought was recent footage, claiming it showed “the destruction of the city.”

However, the reality is quite different. In 2023, protests have been much smaller, only drawing a handful of participants outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. In stark contrast, the large demonstrations of 2020, sparked by the death of George Floyd, often attracted thousands of people to downtown Portland for months.

Trump responded to a reporter’s question about whether he would send troops. He expressed surprise that protests had continued, showing he was under the impression that large-scale protests from years past were still happening. “I will look into it,” he said, admitting he was misled about the situation.

Portland’s mayor, Keith Wilson, pushed back against the idea of federal intervention, asserting that local law enforcement has effectively managed the situation. “We are proud that Portland police have successfully protected freedom of expression,” he stated.

The miscommunication stemmed from a report that aired on Fox News, which mistakenly mixed recent protest footage with clips from 2020, creating a false impression. The report highlighted a small protest where demonstrators brought a guillotine, emphasizing the ongoing tension surrounding the ICE facility.

In a separate statement, Trump labeled protestors as “paid agitators,” a claim he’s made before. This accusation has been widely dismissed and contributes to ongoing misinformation about groups like Antifa.

Oregon’s attorney general, Dan Rayfield, warned that the state is prepared to respond if Trump sends federal troops. “California has shown how effectively we can resist federal overreach,” he said, emphasizing Oregon’s commitment to maintaining safety and order.

Interestingly, a recent survey by the Pew Research Center revealed that around 60% of Americans believe local authorities should handle protests without federal intervention. This suggests that many citizens prefer localized solutions rather than federal involvement, reflecting a wider sentiment about government roles in civil matters.

In summary, the current reality in Portland is far removed from the chaos Trump described. As the city continues to navigate its local protests, residents remain committed to their rights and community safety.



Source link