California Gov. Gavin Newsom accused former President Donald Trump of misusing military forces by deploying 300 California National Guard personnel to Portland, Oregon, calling the action “appalling” and “un-American.” Newsom claimed Trump’s move was driven by a desire for power rather than addressing crime, stating the troops were being used as “political pawns” to inflate Trump’s ego.

A press release from Newsom’s office alleged that the Trump administration violated legal boundaries by sending National Guard members to Portland after a federal court blocked efforts to federalize Oregon’s National Guard. The governor criticized the action as an “abuse of the law and power,” asserting it ignored judicial authority.

The White House defended the deployment, with spokesperson Abigail Jackson stating President Trump had lawful authority to protect federal assets during unrest in Portland. However, a U.S. District Court judge issued a temporary restraining order halting the deployment of 200 National Guard troops, citing insufficient legal justification. The ruling, set to expire October 18, could be extended, though it is not the final decision.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek praised the court’s action, asserting there was no “insurrection” or national security threat in Portland. She blamed Trump for endangering democracy, while the Trump administration announced plans to appeal the ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.