Washington, D.C.—In response to the ongoing developments in Portland, Oregon, including Trump’s sudden deployment of more than 100 federal law enforcement agents last week, President of People For the American Way Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“It is appalling that Trump continues to deploy federal forces to Portland, and is now threatening the American public with militarized policing in Chicago and other cities around the country. We must put an immediate end to Trump’s aggressive, anti-American, anti-democratic actions. We live in a democracy, and sending troops with weapons of war against our own people is, simply put, tyranny. Pitting federal forces against the American people and local officials in their own backyards is utterly irresponsible; it only serves to fan the tensions on the ground and elevate the danger. It becomes clearer every day that now is the time to support young activists, faith leaders and young elected officials in the movement to end police violence against Black communities and reimagine our systems of public safety.”

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.