Residents of Portland, Oregon, are countering President Donald Trump's depiction of their city as a war zone with a series of viral TikTok and Instagram videos showcasing its natural beauty, thriving food scene, and peaceful daily life. Trump has repeatedly claimed that Portland is 'burning down to the ground' and 'like living in hell,' despite denials from Oregon's governor and Portland's mayor.
On a recent Thursday, Portland police made three arrests after fistfights broke out between demonstrators and a pro-Trump influencer at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office. However, a visit to the site earlier that day revealed fewer than 10 protesters, nearly outnumbered by journalists. The National Guard is expected to deploy 200 troops to the city in the coming days.
Local business owners and residents are frustrated by Trump's portrayal. Kaie Wellman, owner of Providore Fine Foods, described the president's claims as '100% false' and 'devastating for local businesses.' She noted that the city has faced the same issues as other urban areas but is addressing them thoughtfully. 'The issue that's being portrayed right now does not exist in this town,' she said.
Wellman, who is opening a bistro in the Portland Art Museum's new Mark Rothko Pavilion, called her investment 'a love letter to Portland.' She added that the only disturbance she has witnessed is from Black Hawk helicopters circling neighborhoods, causing fear among residents, including her 92-year-old mother.
Amanda Cochran, a US army veteran, held a sign reading 'Vets Against Militarization' at the ICE protest. Meanwhile, a planned Emergency Naked Bike Ride aims to protest the militarization of the city, reflecting Portland's unique approach to activism.
