Portland, OR - Statement from Democratic Party of Oregon Chair Nathan Soltz:

"The President's decision to deploy federal troops to Portland is a reckless distraction at a time when Americans are bracing for a government shutdown. Instead of manufacturing crises in Oregon, the White House should be working with Congress to keep vital services funded and protect the livelihoods of millions of families.

"Portland is not a war zone, and Oregonians reject false claims to the contrary. What our communities truly need are more teachers in classrooms, more counselors addressing addiction and mental health, affordable housing, reliable infrastructure, and accessible healthcare. Federal resources should be directed toward building strong and safe communities, not toward escalating fear and division. The Trump administration is using the federal government to spread fear, and national Republicans have chosen to enable it rather than stand up for their constituents. Oregonians will not be misled by this reckless attempt to stir division and escalate tensions in our state.

The Democratic Party of Oregon calls on the administration to abandon this dangerous misuse of power and focus on the real work of governing. Oregonians deserve solutions, not political theater."

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