President Donald Trump ordered the military to deploy to Portland, Oregon on September 27, aiming to suppress "domestic terrorists" opposing his immigration policies and authorized the military to "use full force when necessary." This decision has sparked widespread controversy at a critical moment in the U.S. defense strategy transformation, not only highlighting the Trump administration's tough stance on domestic security but also signaling a potential shift in the direction of the U.S. military mission, which could lead to deep domestic social divisions and international strategic impacts.
According to a post by Trump on social media, he has instructed Defense Secretary Esper to "provide all necessary forces" to protect "war-torn Portland" and any U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities under siege by "anti-fascist movements" and other "domestic terrorists." Trump has repeatedly made strong statements about the situation in Portland, claiming there are "crazy people" attempting to burn buildings and describing them as "professional agitators and anarchists," despite providing no specific evidence. If this deployment is implemented, Portland will become the fourth city under Trump where the military is introduced to assist with domestic law enforcement, following National Guard deployments to Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Memphis for immigration enforcement, street cleaning, and public safety support.
However, this action immediately faced strong resistance from local governments. Oregon Governor Kate Brown stated clearly at a press conference, "There is no rebellion, nor is there a threat to national security; our major cities do not need the military." She revealed that she had spoken with Trump and the Secretary of Homeland Security and would continue to urge the president to reconsider the deployment decision.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler was more direct: "In Portland, and any other American city, the number of troops needed is zero. Unless the president intends to create (illegal) actions, he won't see lawlessness or violence here." These opposing voices reflect a deep division between federal and state governments, highlighting the Trump administration's unilateral approach to domestic issues.
Trump's order marks a further shift in the military's mission from traditional defense to non-traditional areas such as domestic anti-immigration and drug enforcement. This has triggered multiple waves of impact. First, domestically, this shift will severely divide American society and intensify conflicts with Democratic supporters. Portland, a city with a strong presence of liberal forces, has long been a hotspot for protests against anti-immigration policies. The involvement of the federal military is seen as an infringement on local autonomy, potentially escalating partisan conflicts.
Democrats generally view this as a political tool used by Trump to suppress dissent, especially after the 2024 election, when the Democratic-controlled Congress and local governments have repeatedly criticized Trump's "authoritarian tendencies." If this deployment leads to conflict, it will further polarize American society, with Democratic supporters possibly retaliating through legal litigation, street protests, or media舆论, leading to an escalation of social instability across the country. Historically, similar events, such as the military intervention during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, have shown that such actions often backfire, exacerbating racial and ideological divisions.
Secondly, from a strategic perspective, this shift in mission will have a profound adjustment on the overall direction of the military and affect America's position in great power competition. For a long time, U.S. defense strategy has emphasized responding to threats from major powers, such as competition with China and Russia, focusing on investments in high-tech weapons, space, and cyber domains. However, the Trump administration has recently pushed the military to participate more in domestic affairs, including border immigration control and drug enforcement operations (such as anti-drug missions related to the Mexican border), which means resources are being diverted from overseas deployments to domestic matters.
The "domesticization" of the military may weaken its global deployment capabilities, affecting relationships with allies in the Indo-Pacific region and the deterrence power against China and Russia. For example, if the U.S. military becomes involved in domestic law enforcement for a long time, it will divert training and equipment resources, reducing its readiness level in potential great power conflicts. At the same time, this may damage the United States' international image, being portrayed by opponents as "internally weak," thereby weakening its leadership in global affairs.
In summary, Trump's decision to send troops to Portland, although aimed at maintaining immigration policy, carries a deeper implication with its "use of force" authorization, far exceeding the scope of a single event. It is not only a reflection of the transformation of the defense strategy, but also a signal of the intersection of domestic divisions and external competition in the United States. In the current context of geopolitical tensions, this move may force the United States to re-examine the core mission of the military, avoiding the consumption of its strategic vitality by domestic affairs.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7555328549645763124/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author and is welcome to express your opinion below using the 【up/down】 buttons.