UNINVITED: OR Sen. Jeff Merkley SLAMS Trump’s threat to send troops to Portland

Key Takeaways:

• President Trump threatened to send troops to Portland amid protests outside ICE facilities
• Sen. Merkley called the proposed deployment “unneeded”
• A looming government shutdown also drew Merkley’s attention
• Trump plans to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu soon
• The story was originally published by Msnbc News on 2025-09-28

Trump’s Threat to Portland

In response to continuing demonstrations near Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in Portland, President Trump threatened to send federal troops to restore order. This move was intended to address what the administration sees as heightened civil unrest and potential damage to property in the city.

Sen. Merkley’s Response

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley criticized the proposed deployment, labeling it “unneeded.” He suggested that such an approach might escalate tensions rather than ease them. Merkley’s remarks emphasized the importance of respecting Portland’s local governance and questioned whether a troop presence was the correct method of maintaining public safety.

Other Political Considerations

Beyond Portland, Merkley also weighed in on Washington’s political climate. He raised concerns about a possible government shutdown, underscoring the need for congressional action to avoid interruptions to federal services. In addition, the senator briefly commented on President Trump’s scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, indicating it would be closely watched for its potential diplomatic implications.