Texas National Guard Deploying to Oregon, Illinois Amid Legal, Political Disputes

President Trump has ordered the deployment of 400 members of the Texas National Guard to Oregon, Illinois, and other locations, escalating his efforts to militarize responses to protests. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have condemned the deployments, calling them unauthorized and labeling the action as an "invasion" and misuse of National Guard resources. Oregon officials, including Attorney General Dan Rayfield, are preparing or have filed legal actions to block the deployment, especially after a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against the mobilization of Oregon National Guard troops to Portland. Trump’s administration has also reassigned 200 California National Guard members to Portland despite legal challenges. The moves follow Trump’s characterization of Portland as a lawless city under siege by leftist agitators, a claim disputed by local officials and a federal judge who described it as unfounded. Governors of the involved states have criticized the deployments for lacking clear explanations and coordination with local authorities.