In a recent interview on Newsmax, Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of former President Donald Trump, stirred controversy by referring to Portland and Seattle as “craphole cities” and advocating for a possible federal takeover of their police forces. His comments come amid ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to exert greater control over law enforcement in Democratic-led urban areas, drawing comparisons to the recent federalization of policing in Washington, D.C.
During a discussion with host Carl Higbie, Trump Jr. positioned these Pacific Northwest cities as prime candidates for federal intervention, citing what he described as rampant crime and mismanagement under local Democratic leadership. His remarks were part of a broader conversation praising the administration’s decision to deploy federal agents and National Guard troops in the nation’s capital.
“Maybe we should roll out the tour to Seattle, Portland, the other what we call ‘craphole cities’ of the country,” Trump Jr. suggested, implying an expansion of the D.C. model to address perceived failures in local governance. This rhetoric aligns with the administration’s narrative that liberal policies have led to urban decay, despite data revealing mixed trends in crime rates.
Trump Jr.’s inflammatory remarks have reignited fears reminiscent of the 2020 protests in Portland, where federal agents clashed with demonstrators, an action that faced widespread criticism for overreach. Resurfacing posts on social media from that era highlight public outrage over unidentified federal officers detaining protesters, with sentiments warning of authoritarian tactics. With Trump potentially returning to office, these memories fuel concerns about similar escalations in 2025.
Recent web searches indicate a pattern of administration actions, including a Reuters report on Trump’s desire to extend federal control over Washington police, even as violent crime statistics decline. The former president has portrayed D.C. as a crime-ridden hub, justifying interventions that led to increased arrests and clearances of homeless encampments, as noted in coverage by PBS News.
Politically, Trump Jr.’s comments have galvanized both supporters and critics. NewsBreak echoed the OregonLive article, highlighting the administration’s framing of Portland and Seattle as examples of Democratic failures. On social media, posts amplifying Trump Jr.’s call for federal intervention have garnered thousands of views, while opponents decry his approach as authoritarian posturing.
If such federal takeovers were to occur in Portland and Seattle, it could involve deploying federal agents for patrols and overriding local command structures, mirroring the D.C. model announced by Trump on August 11, according to CNN Politics.
