Oregon Governor Thanks Taylor Swift for Condemning Trump’s Abuse of Power After Military Threat Against Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has publicly thanked pop superstar Taylor Swift for speaking out against what she described as President Donald Trump’s “abuse of power” after the White House announced plans to deploy U.S. troops into Portland with “full force.”
The President on Friday directed his Secretary of War to prepare federal troops for immediate deployment into Portland, citing what he called a need to confront “domestic terrorists.” The move sparked outrage across the state, with local leaders stressing that the city remains calm and has no crisis that would justify military intervention.
“Portland is doing just fine,” Governor Kotek said at a press conference. “We don’t need soldiers in our streets, and we don’t need a President who tries to manufacture chaos to justify his overreach. Taylor Swift was right to call this out, and I’m grateful that she used her voice to defend democracy when it’s needed most.”
Swift, who has increasingly taken public political stances in recent years, denounced Trump’s order in a social media post, calling the President “the one terrorizing Americans” by threatening to unleash the military on peaceful U.S. citizens. Her comments quickly went viral, drawing both fierce backlash from Trump’s supporters and strong praise from activists, politicians, and ordinary citizens alike.
The Oregon governor’s statement is the latest in a wave of political and celebrity reactions to Trump’s directive. Civil rights organizations have warned that using troops against U.S. citizens would set a dangerous precedent, while legal experts argue it could be an unconstitutional abuse of executive power.
“Authorizing the military to march into Portland isn’t just reckless — it’s authoritarian,” Kotek added. “I appreciate Taylor Swift for shining a spotlight on what’s happening here. This is bigger than politics. It’s about protecting the rights of every American.”
Trump, meanwhile, has doubled down, insisting that his administration “will not tolerate anarchy” and that “anyone standing in the way of law and order is siding with chaos.” His remarks have only deepened the divide, intensifying fears of a constitutional showdown between state leaders and the federal government.
As the controversy escalates, Oregon officials say they will challenge the order in court if federal troops attempt to enter the city. Protesters in Portland, meanwhile, have already begun organizing demonstrations in solidarity with Swift’s call for accountability.
“Portland doesn’t need Trump’s troops,” one demonstrator’s sign read Saturday. “We need leaders who protect us — not threaten us.”
