Oregon National Guard on Standby Amid Deployment Controversy

PORTLAND, Ore. — As President Donald Trump decides on deploying National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, 200 federalized service members are on standby for orders. Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, the state’s adjutant general, revealed details about the troops during an appearance on KGW’s “Straight Talk” on Thursday.

Gronewold emphasized that the Oregon National Guard reflects a diverse cross-section of Oregon society. He stated, “They come from every community in the state; they’re your friends and neighbors; they’re coaches, nurses, and restaurant owners.”

These 200 members were federalized under Title 10 and now report to the U.S. Northern Command instead of Gov. Tina Kotek. Gronewold explained that the mobilization followed a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

“We had anticipated it a bit,” Gronewold said. “We didn’t know what the number was gonna be, but when we received the memo, we immediately went into action to execute that order from the Secretary of Defense.”

According to Gronewold, the federalized troops include a military police contingent and an infantry unit based in Woodburn, both skilled in civil disturbance operations. Their geography made them a “natural fit” for this deployment.

Once federalized, troops operate under federal authority, meaning the Oregon National Guard no longer has command over them. Gronewold clarified, “I don’t have command and control over these soldiers. That’s not the Oregon National Guard’s mission.”

The deployment has faced criticism, notably from Portland City Councilor and veteran, who argues it violates the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement. “There’s no insurrection happening, and you’re not supposed to use military resources to do policing,” she stated.

Gronewold acknowledged the Posse Comitatus Act but noted exceptions exist, such as the Insurrection Act. Trump previously indicated he might invoke this act, which could allow military troops’ deployment in U.S. cities, but he has yet to do so.

Gronewold suggested the legality of the deployment could reach the Supreme Court. “What the courts decide will form how our society moves forward,” he said. “This has never really been tried in court before, so this will help develop the law.”

He refrained from commenting on whether Trump is violating the law, explaining, “I swore an oath to defend the Constitution, but also to obey the orders of the president of the United States and the governor of the state of Oregon.”

Gronewold recognized the public’s mixed feelings regarding the deployment: “I’ll be honest with you — I know this isn’t easy. Some people in Oregon won’t understand or won’t support this mission. Some might even be hostile about it. But we’ve been through tough situations before. We are professionals who do our duties, regardless of how it’s received.”

He underscored the need to prepare troops for potential public scrutiny related to their mission. “Portland can be kind of a tough crowd when protests get started,” Gronewold added.

“Straight Talk” airs Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m., and Monday at 7 p.m. It is also available as a podcast.