President Donald Trump described Portland as a “war zone.” As his words spread, they echoed across several national and international headlines. To many outsiders, it was probably believable. Although, for those who actually know this city, that statement is not only exaggerated, but it’s deeply misleading. Portland is more than headlines and political views. Portland is a community.
Our president makes several incorrect assumptions about Portland in his statements. “While Democrat politicians deny reality, it’s obvious what’s happening in Portland isn’t protest; it’s premeditated anarchy that has scarred the city for years — leaving officers battered, citizens terrorized, and property defaced,” he said.
If you ask almost anybody who lives here they would say otherwise to Trump’s words, which are based on old video of protests five years ago. He is creating a false idea of disgust for our city. He has never visited Portland, a place he calls a “burning hell hole,” on any form of presidential or campaign business. What’s weird to me is how can he say this when he’s never even stepped foot in our city?
Instead of coming here, Trump sent Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to visit on Oct. 7. She met with governor Tina Kotek to discuss the Trump administration’s hopes to send 200 National Guard troops to Portland. She also went to the federal Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in South Portland to observe protesters and met with local law enforcement officials and the mayor, Keith Wilson.
After her brief visit, she gave a report to Trump at a cabinet meeting, claiming that she could not trust them to carry out the Trump administration’s demands, including a larger “buffer zone” between the building and protesters, and that they would have to purchase a new ICE building.
“I told them if they didn’t meet our demands for safety and security on the streets and work with us, then we were going to bring in more federal law enforcement,” Noem told Trump.
To Trump – as well as Noem – they think that it would be beneficial to send the National Guard to Portland to protect us from the insane city they claim we live in. So far, there have been no further actions made.
On Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut created a temporary blocking on the Trump administration from federalizing and deploying members of the National Guard to Portland. The previous temporary restraining orders were set to expire Oct. 18, but instead will be extended for another 14 days.
I’ve grown up in Portland my whole life, and have always seen it as such a beautiful city. Our city provides a safe space for people who may not feel welcomed elsewhere. Portland has so many incredible things, from bike rides, gorgeous hikes and waterfalls to the much-loved food carts, the Saturday market, pride rallies, peaceful protests, and tons of other organized events. I think it is unfair for Trump to be making the pronouncement that Portland is a war zone, because if you know anything about Portland, all it is is a welcoming city.
