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Throughout this period, police presence has been minimal, with authorities claiming they are monitoring the situation rather than intervening actively. This stance has drawn criticism for allowing violence, vandalism, and noise ordinances violations to proliferate, effectively leaving the scene to chaos and vandalism.
Federal Intervention and Political Rhetoric
Amid the ongoing lawlessness, President Donald Trump has publicly labeled Portland's situation as a city "on fire" and has threatened to send in National Guard troops to protect federal properties, including ICE buildings. Trump’s administration justifies this stance by asserting that local authorities have failed to maintain order and that federal forces are necessary to secure federal buildings from aggressive protests.