In a significant move to bolster security, President Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of several hundred Texas National Guard troops to assist federal operations in Chicago and Portland. This action, taken with the consent of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, aims to protect federal property and personnel amid ongoing unrest.
The orders place approximately 2,000 Texas National Guard members under U.S. Northern Command, authorizing their potential use in “Illinois, Oregon and other locations throughout the United States.” An initial contingent of 400 troops is being directed to the two cities.
This is a breathtaking abuse of the law and power by the President of the United States.
America is on the brink of martial law.
Do not be silent. https://t.co/BxWvN1lQT1
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) October 6, 2025
The decision follows a recent legal dispute over the use of the Oregon National Guard, which led the administration to utilize federalized California National Guard troops for similar duties in Portland. The President’s authority to federalize state guard units is a long-established power used by previous administrations of both parties.
The deployment, however, was met with immediate and strong criticism from Democratic governors. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a statement condemning the move, stating, “No officials from the federal government called me directly to discuss or coordinate.”
Governor Pritzker escalated his rhetoric, declaring, “We must now start calling this what it is: Trump’s Invasion. It started with federal agents, it will soon include deploying federalized members of the Illinois National Guard against our wishes, and it will now involve sending in another state’s military troops.”
He further called on Texas Governor Abbott to “immediately withdraw any support for this decision and refuse to coordinate.” Pritzker concluded, “There is no reason a President should send military troops into a sovereign state without their knowledge, consent, or cooperation.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom also voiced strong opposition, reacting to the use of his state’s guard members in Oregon. He described the President’s actions as “appalling” and “un-American.”
In a separate statement, Governor Newsom offered a grave warning, saying, “This is a breathtaking abuse of the law and power by the President of the United States. America is on the brink of martial law. Do not be silent.”
I fully authorized the President to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to ensure safety for federal officials.
You can either fully enforce protection for federal employees or get out of the way and let Texas Guard do it.
No Guard can match the training, skill, and… https://t.co/7SUk9XlMBn
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) October 6, 2025
In a sharp rebuttal, Texas Governor Greg Abbott firmly defended the President’s decision and the capabilities of his state’s troops. He posted a public response directed at Governor Pritzker.
“I fully authorized the President to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to ensure safety for federal officials,” Abbott stated. “You can either fully enforce protection for federal employees or get out of the way and let Texas Guard do it.”
Governor Abbott also took the opportunity to praise the professionalism of his state’s forces, adding, “No Guard can match the training, skill, and expertise of the Texas National Guard. They defend our country with pride.”
UPDATE: Hegseth today called up 400 members of the Texas National Guard, with Gov. Abbott's apparent permission, to be deployed "where needed, including in the cities of Portland and Chicago." https://t.co/FoE2jn7qF0 pic.twitter.com/xSl7pcQ09I
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) October 6, 2025
This political clash highlights a deep divide in the approach to maintaining order and the extent of federal power. The White House maintains it is acting to uphold federal law and protect government assets, while critics accuse the administration of political theater and overreach.
h/t: Steadfast and Loyal
