PORTLAND, Ore. (FN) — Federal judges appointed by former President Donald Trump have cleared the way for the continued deployment of the National Guard in Portland, a move that critics say raises questions about the politicization of the judiciary and the use of military force against American civilians.
The ruling comes after months of controversy over federal and state responses to ongoing protests in the city, with local leaders arguing that the presence of federal forces has escalated tensions rather than ensuring public safety. Supporters of the deployment, however, claim it is necessary to protect federal property and maintain order.
Trump-appointed judges rejected arguments that the National Guard’s continued presence violated constitutional protections, allowing the federal government to keep troops stationed in the city. The decision was met with swift criticism from civil liberties groups, who say the ruling sets a dangerous precedent for military involvement in domestic affairs.
Portland Mayor and local officials denounced the decision, calling it “a federal overreach” and accusing the courts of enabling political influence over law enforcement. Protest organizers vowed to continue their demonstrations despite the ruling, warning that the city remains a flashpoint for national debates over civil rights and policing.
The ruling underscores the ongoing tension between federal authority and local governance, and highlights the enduring controversies surrounding Trump-era judicial appointments — particularly their impact on high-profile cases involving civil unrest, law enforcement, and political accountability.
