This is unbelievable.
A federal judge in Oregon has dealt a major blow to President Donald Trump’s administration, ruling that his effort to deploy National Guard troops to control violent protests in Portland was unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut — ironically a Trump appointee — ruled that the administration overstepped presidential authority, violating the 10th Amendment and states’ rights. Her 106-page ruling permanently blocks the federal government from deploying Guard troops in Portland without state approval.
A Clash Between Law and Order vs. Liberal Control
The decision follows a three-day trial centered on whether President Trump had the legal authority to send troops to protect federal buildings that were under siege during the 2020 Portland riots.
At the time, Portland faced widespread looting, arson, and attacks on police, as left-wing activists turned the city into a war zone.
The Trump administration argued the troops were essential to defend federal employees and property after local Democrat leaders refused to restore order.
But Judge Immergut sided with Oregon’s Democrat governor, claiming that the federal deployment violated the Constitution’s protections of state sovereignty.
“Even giving great deference to the President’s determination, the President did not have a lawful basis to federalize the National Guard,” the judge wrote.
Democrat Cities Continue to Reject Federal Help
The ruling permanently blocks Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from enforcing memorandums that would have sent troops from Oregon, Texas, and California into Portland.
It also strengthens a similar temporary injunction in Chicago, where another judge has barred the administration from deploying troops to curb violence there.
Legal experts say the Oregon ruling could have major implications for how future presidents handle domestic unrest — especially in Democrat-run cities that have refused federal assistance while struggling with rising crime, homelessness, and anti-police sentiment.
Conservatives Say the Decision Ties Trump’s Hands
Many conservatives are calling the ruling another example of judicial activism undermining a president’s ability to protect the nation.
Critics say the decision rewards lawlessness and emboldens left-wing mobs who destroyed businesses, attacked officers, and vandalized government property during the height of unrest.
“This is exactly why blue cities are spiraling out of control,” one political analyst said. “When the federal government tries to restore order, liberal judges step in to stop it.”
The Trump administration is expected to appeal the ruling, setting up another high-stakes legal battle over the limits of presidential power and the right of states to block federal intervention.