Trump orders troops to Portland to deal with 'domestic terrorists'

President Trump said Saturday he will send troops to Portland, "authorizing Full Force, if necessary," to handle "domestic terrorists" in Oregon's biggest city as he expands his deployments to more American metropolises.

- BY CLAIRE RUSH AND CHRIS MEGERIAN

OREGON GOV. Tina Kotek says she told the president troops are not needed.

(CLAIRE RUSH Associated Press)

Oregon Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek responded by saying Trump is abusing his authority by ordering troops to the city, which she said is doing "just fine" on its own.

Trump made the announcement on social media, writing that he was directing the Department of Defense to "provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland." He said the decision was necessary to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, which he described as "under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for details on Trump's announcement.

In an afternoon news conference, Kotek said she directly told Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem earlier in the day that troops are not needed and she believes he does not have the authority to deploy the military there.

"We can manage our own local public safety needs. There is no insurrection. There is no threat to national security," Kotek told reporters.

"This is an American city. We do not need any intervention," Mayor Keith Wilson said at the news conference. "This is not a military target."

Kotek said the president did not give a timetable for troops arriving. She said she told him the Oregon National Guard is not needed - but if it were, she would call it up. Trump deployed the National Guard in Los Angeles even though California Gov. Gavin Newsom opposed it.

Kotek urged the public to stay calm, saying any kind of property damage or violence would not be tolerated.

"Let's not take the bait," she said. "Let's not respond to what the president is trying to do."