September 5, 2025policy changecivil libertiesexecutive powermisinformationcivil libertiesexecutive powermisinformation
Trump claims Portland has "paid terrorists" without offering evidence
President Trump posted on Truth Social claiming the city of Portland, Oregon had "paid terrorists" among its population, providing no evidence for the assertion. The claim appeared aimed at justifying potential federal enforcement action against Portland, which had long been a target of administration rhetoric over its protest activity and sanctuary policies. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield issued a formal response calling the claims false and warning of federal overreach.