Olivia Asher is a reporter at the New Herald Tribune covering breaking news for the Digital Trends Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Plain Dealer.
September 27 , 2025
Portland, Maine — President Donald Trump stated that he intends to send federal troops to Portland, Maine, citing concerns over “keeping law and order” in the coastal city. The statement left many residents puzzled, as Portland has consistently reported low crime rates in recent years and is better known for its historic architecture, working waterfront, and bustling food scene than for civil unrest.
Trump told reportes that Portland would serve as “the first step” in what he described as a broader plan to increase federal presence in American towns. He added that other Maine communities may soon see similar deployments should he deem it necessary. “We’re not going to take any chances. We’re keeping the peace—before there’s even a problem,” he said.
Portland city officials said they were unaware of any request for federal security assistance. Mayor Hannah Peterson released a brief statement noting that cooperation with federal authorities is typically reserved for emergencies, which she said Portland is not currently experiencing. “We pride ourselves on being one of the safest, most welcoming cities in the nation,” she wrote.
Local residents expressed mixed reactions, with some voicing confusion and others mild concern. “We’ve always had a peaceful community,” said Nancy Greene, a longtime resident who owns a small bookstore in the Old Port district. “It just doesn’t make sense to me that troops would be needed here.”
Experts on Maine’s public safety noted that the state typically ranks among the lowest in violent crime nationally. According to the most recent FBI data, Portland’s crime rates are significantly below the national average. Dr. Elaine Marshall, a political science professor at the University of Southern Maine, suggested the decision may be more symbolic than practical. “This appears to be a political move rather than a public safety one,” she said.
Trump did not provide specific details about the number of troops that might be sent or what role they would play if deployed. When asked about the timeline, he responded only that residents “would be seeing them very soon.”
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