Department of Homeland Security’s Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin appeared on Fox News on Monday to defend the Trump administration’s invasion of Portland, Oregon, repeating the GOP’s false narrative about the city’s largely peaceful protests.
“Why President Trump called the National Guard into Portland is because our officers were facing mass assault and mass attacks,” McLaughlin said, offering zero evidence. “And because of the policies of these sanctuary politicians, local law enforcement is hamstrung.”
The Trump administration has reportedly escalated its efforts to expand its push toward creating an American police state, ordering tens of thousands of National Guard troops to prepare for deployment in U.S. cities.
According to McLaughlin, sanctuary laws prevent local agencies from supporting federal agents whom she claimed were being overrun by marauding protesters. “So when our federal officers are being attacked, they have to stand down. President Trump knows we need to protect our law enforcement, and that’s why he called in the National Guard.”
City and state officials in Portland have condemned the invasion as unlawful overreach. On Sunday, a federal judge extended an order blocking President Donald Trump from deploying the National Guard into the city.
