Hundreds stand outside U.S. Senator Ron Wyden’s office in Portland, Ore., protesting the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s role in the White House, Feb. 5, 2025.
Troy Brynelson / OPB
In the third week of the Trump administration, the Pacific Northwest has become a key battleground over federal policies.
Oregon and Washington have joined lawsuits challenging executive orders on gender-affirming care and sanctuary cities, while local leaders in Portland and Central Oregon are pushing back against immigration enforcement. Protests have erupted in both states, with students and businesses voicing concerns over deportations and trade policies.
Meanwhile, Oregon Republicans support aligning state laws with Trump’s restrictions on transgender athletes. As tensions rise, U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle’s shift away from a bipartisan group has drawn attention amid broader national debates.
OPB reporters examined the impact of the Trump administration in a series of stories this week, and will continue tracking how federal policy changes affect communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington. If you have insights to share or questions to ask, feel free to email us.
If you’re a federal worker in the region, we would like to hear from you about how Trump’s recent directives are affecting your work. Share your experiences securely via Signal, email, phone or mail.
POLITICS: Trump picks Joe Kent to lead federal agency
President Donald Trump has nominated former Washington state congressional candidate Joe Kent to lead the National Counterterrorism Center. Kent, a former Green Beret and CIA officer, previously ran for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District but was unsuccessful.
IMMIGRATION: Central Oregon leaders resist Trump’s deportation plans
In response to President Trump’s renewed deportation initiatives, Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler reaffirmed the city’s adherence to Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Act, ensuring no local resources support federal immigration enforcement. The Latino Community Association, led by Catalina Frank, is organizing “know your rights” workshops to support the immigrant community.
EDUCATION: Oregon colleges prepare for immigration raids
Following President Trump’s executive order permitting immigration enforcement in previously protected areas, Oregon colleges are preparing for potential campus raids. Institutions are conducting “know your rights” sessions to inform students and staff about their legal protections.
POLITICS: Portland sues Trump over sanctuary city funding
Portland has joined a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s threat to withhold federal funding from sanctuary jurisdictions. Mayor Keith Wilson emphasized the city’s commitment to being a safe, welcoming place for all community members. The lawsuit, led by San Francisco, includes other cities and counties challenging the federal government’s actions.
CIVIL RIGHTS: Oregonians protest Trump administration
Hundreds of Oregonians gathered in Portland and Salem on Feb. 5, joining nationwide protests against President Trump’s policies, including government downsizing and immigration crackdowns. Demonstrators criticized Elon Musk’s role in the administration, emphasizing the need for a government representing all citizens.
POLITICS: Val Hoyle exits DOGE caucus, blasts Musk
U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle has withdrawn from the bipartisan Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) House caucus, citing concerns over Elon Musk’s leadership. Hoyle criticized Musk for undermining government systems to benefit billionaires at the expense of working people, making reform efforts unfeasible.
POLITICS: Oregon GOP backs trans athlete ban
In response to President Trump’s executive order barring transgender women from participating in women’s sports, Oregon Republicans are advocating for state legislation to enforce similar restrictions. House Minority Leader Christine Drazan plans to introduce a bill aligning with the federal directive, emphasizing fairness in women’s athletics.
EDUCATION: Northwest leaders reject Trump’s transgender athlete ban
Pacific Northwest education leaders are pushing back against President Trump’s ban on transgender student-athletes. Washington’s superintendent called it unlawful and vowed to uphold state protections, while Oregon officials are assessing the impact.
HEALTH: Oregon, Washington sue Trump over trans health care ban
Oregon and Washington have filed a lawsuit against President Trump’s executive order that seeks to block federal funding for institutions providing gender-affirming care to individuals under 19. The states argue that the order is discriminatory and infringes upon the Fifth Amendment’s equal protection clause.
EDUCATION: PSU faces federal probe over Gaza war protests
The U.S. Department of Education has initiated a civil rights investigation into Portland State University’s handling of student-led protests concerning the Gaza war, focusing on potential antisemitism. This action follows President Trump’s executive order directing agencies to intensify efforts against antisemitism.
ECONOMY: Oregon businesses face uncertainty amid shifting policies
Oregon businesses are grappling with uncertainty due to President Trump’s fluctuating tariff policies, which could increase operational costs and strain international trade relationships. Industries such as agriculture, construction technology and computer chip manufacturing are particularly concerned about potential negative impacts on exports and supply chains.
