Karoline Leavitt Clashes With CNN’s Kaitlan Collins Over National Guard Deployment to Portland

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clashed with CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins during a heated exchange about President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy the National Guard to Portland, Oregon. The move comes amid weeks of violent clashes between Antifa rioters and federal agents, drawing national attention and political division.

Collins questioned the necessity of the deployment, citing Portland’s police chief, who claimed Trump’s statements about the city “don’t match up with what’s happening on the ground.” Leavitt responded forcefully, accusing Collins of relying on partisan sources and suggesting she visit Portland herself to see the violence firsthand. She noted that independent journalists had documented nightly chaos the mainstream media had ignored.

“You’re probably talking to partisan Democrat officials who are opposed to everything this president does,” Leavitt said. She urged reporters to speak directly with Portland residents impacted by the unrest. “These people are not there to peacefully protest. They are there to cause mayhem and havoc,” she added, defending the administration’s position.

The exchange reflected broader tensions between the Trump administration and legacy media outlets over how the ongoing protests and riots are portrayed. President Trump has maintained that sending in the National Guard is essential due to what he views as local officials’ failure to protect public safety and federal property.

However, U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut blocked the deployment, ruling it unconstitutional. She stated the action violated 10 U.S.C. §12406 and the Tenth Amendment. Critics argue the ruling undermines the president’s constitutional role as commander-in-chief, especially given Portland’s refusal to assist federal officers.