PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Oregon’s governor and the president of the United States had a tense text message exchange over the president’s order to send the National Guard to Portland, according to records released by the governor’s office Monday through a public records request.
On Sunday, President Donald Trump federalized 200 members of the Oregon National Guard to protect federal property in Portland, including the ICE facility in the city.
On Sunday morning, Trump’s assistant sent a message from the president to Kotek via text.
“Governor: The ICE Facility in Portland was attacked again last night,” Trump wrote. “In fact, it, and other Federal Buildings, are being attacked on a nightly basis. We can’t have this. Thank you for your attention to this matter! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”
In response, Kotek texted his assistant that she would try to call the president later.
In another text message, Kotek texted a message to the president’s assistant that she wanted her to pass along to the president.
“I just received your notice to mobilize the Oregon National Guard outside of my control,” Kotek wrote. “I believe this is unlawful and unwarranted. You broke your promise to speak with me before taking further action against Portland. I will be in touch later.”
The president wrote back.
“I notified you to get things in order, and you didn’t. They attacked our ICE Patriots last night, and at other times. If you get your State in order, we don’t come in, but everyone knows that Portland has been an unmitigated disaster for years. I won’t let that happen in America! President DJT”
The governor has said there is no insurrection or threat to public safety in Portland that warrants troops being sent into the city.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield has filed for a temporary restraining order to try to stop the troop deployment. A judge is set to hear the case on Friday.
Over the last several weeks, Trump has suggested he would send in the National Guard, claiming that “crazy people” are trying to burn down federal buildings in the city, protesters are “professional agitators and anarchists,” and suggesting he was going to send the National Guard to the city.
At least three people have been arrested at ICE facility over the last few days.
People have staged protests at the facility since June.
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