Bynum Demands Answers on Trump’s Troop Deployment

Washington, DC – Today, after President Trump announced the deployment of federal troops in Portland, Oregon, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) sent a letter to President Trump, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding a meeting to discuss the legal basis and scope of the deployments.

“By bypassing consultation with Congress, the administration has further eroded public trust and is risking inflaming tensions on the ground,” wrote Rep. Bynum. “Oregonians deserve transparency and assurance that the use of military force—of which you have authorized ‘full force’—within our state is consistent with constitutional principles and public safety, not political gamesmanship.”

Full text of the letter is below:

Dear President Trump, Secretary Noem, and Secretary Hegseth,

I write to strongly condemn efforts by your administration to send federal troops to Portland, Oregon. In light of these concerns, I’m requesting an immediate meeting to discuss the legal basis and operational scope of these deployments.

Decisions to deploy military forces domestically, especially in communities that did not request or require their presence, warrant clear legal justification, transparency, and oversight. By bypassing consultation with Congress, the administration has further eroded public trust and is risking inflaming tensions on the ground. Oregonians deserve transparency and assurance that the use of military force—of which you have authorized “full force”—within our state is consistent with constitutional principles and public safety, not political gamesmanship.
I look forward to your prompt response and the opportunity to speak.

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