Kotek to Trump: No need for federal troops in Portland

Watch the entire press conference in the video player lower in this story.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — “There is no insurrection, there is no threat to national security and no need for federal troops in Portland,” Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said at the very beginning of a press conference Saturday afternoon, hours after

President Trump announced his intent to send US troops to Portland.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he is sending federal troops to Portland to “protect” the city and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities from antifa and other “domestic terrorists.” The post also said he did this at ” the request of Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem” and directed “Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.”

The president also said he was “also authorizing Full Force, if necessary,” though it was unclear exactly what he meant.

In a press conference on the banks of the Willamette River on a beautiful Saturday in downtown Portland, Kotek said she spoke with the president Saturday and told him in no uncertain terms that there was no need for federal troops to be sent to Portland.

But she added, “We had no proactive communication from the White House until I reached out.”

Kotek reiterated the city does not need National Guard troops nor federal troops in the city.

“I spoke with the president. I asked him not to send troops. I tried to understand his reasoning and I told him we are taking care of it. I have full faith and confidence in local law enforcement and the folks here today. We do not need federal troops. And I said we disagree. And he said, ‘Well, let’s keep talking.'”

She will continue to communicate with the president to tell him in no uncertain terms there is no reason for federal troops to come to Portland, she said.

She also spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and told her there were no troops necessary in the city.

During the press conference, the governor — flanked by Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, US Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, Portland Police Bureau Chief Bob Day and others — said she does not have plans to call the Oregon National Guard or the Oregon State Police to assist with any possible disturbances between federal agents and protestors.

“I am in regular contact with our federal leaders on the law enforcement side, just as I have been in the last 24 hours with our immigrant leaders and also protest organizers,” Chief Day said. “The role of the Portland Police Bureau is to continue to remain in the middle, to continue to be a steady, peaceful presence that ensures safety for all.”

Video player below: Entire Gov. Kotek press conference, September 27, 2025

Kotek urged Portlanders to “not take the bait” but added she’s coordinating with Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield to determine if any response is needed.

The governor also said she doesn’t know if there’s a timeline of when the federal troops will arrive in Portland. In fact, she said that as of Saturday afternoon they were not aware of any specific federal troops in Oregon assigned by President Trump.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said there is “zero” need for any federal troops in the city. Wilson said he’s talked with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and will use some of the methods Chicago used after they were threatened with federal troops.

US Rep. Suzanne Bonamici said sending the federal troops is a “gross misuse” of presidential power. “I agree with the mayor,” she said. “The number of necessary troops in Portland is zero.”

Kotek said she’s been in touch with the governors of Illinois and California, JB Pritzker and Gavin Newsom, to get their input and advice on methods they used after threats from the White House.

“Portland is a safe city that people can be comfortable being here,” Kotek said.

And the leaders she shared the press conference with are in agreement. “We are one group. We are united. And I will keep telling the president that.”