Beau of The Fifth Column
Let's talk about Trump being allowed to deploy troops after it was clear they aren’t needed....
21 Oct 2025
Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Well, howdy there, Internet people. It's Belle again. So today, we're going to talk about Trump being allowed to deploy troops in Portland after it was made clear they aren't needed or wanted.
A divided federal appeals court for the Ninth Circuit has overturned a temporary restraining order that was preventing the deployment of troops to Portland, Oregon, saying, quote, After considering the record at this preliminary stage, we conclude that it is likely that the President lawfully exercised his statutory authority under 10 U.S.C.
Chapter 2: What legal authority allows Trump to deploy troops in Portland?
§ 12406, which authorizes the federalization of the National Guard when the President is unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States. Trump's government apparently can't function in Portland right now. The majority went on to write that, quote, That's right. Even when agreeing with Trump, the court seems to be suggesting that Trump is misleading the public.
The dissenting judge, Susan P. Graber, wrote, Given Portland protesters' well-known penchant for wearing chicken suits, inflatable frog costumes, or nothing at all, when expressing their disagreement with the methods employed by ICE, observers may be tempted to view the majority's ruling, which accepts the government's characterization of Portland as a war zone, as merely absurd.
Chapter 3: What did the dissenting judge say about the court's ruling?
She went on to suggest the move was damaging to the Constitution itself. Said the ruling, quote, To be clear, this is absurd, it's wasteful, and potentially dangerous. But it clears the way to have troops stand around outside federal buildings and pretend to do something while wasting taxpayer dollars. This does not clear the way for martial law or even a close facsimile.
Chapter 4: How did Trump's actions impact the perception of law enforcement in Portland?
Trump saying that his government can't function in Portland shortly after tens of thousands were in the streets of the city over the weekend and there was no widespread violence is kind of funny in its own way. In the aftermath of the No Kings demonstration, a few hundred gathered at an immigration facility in Portland.
Federal law enforcement deployed tear gas, and law enforcement of all levels appear to have detained or arrested a grand total of four people. It seems as though regular forces have the situation in hand. It's important to remember that indications are that Trump ordered the deployment to Portland after being confused by old footage of events that occurred under his first term.
Chapter 5: What confusion led to the decision to deploy troops in Portland?
Anyway, it's just a thought. Y'all have a good day.