Brigadier General Alan R. Gronewold of the Oregon National Guard is facing significant criticism after stating that his troops would be assigned to protect protesters at federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, directly opposing directives from President Donald Trump.
Gronewold’s comments, made during a recent hearing before an Oregon Senate subcommittee, have gained attention on social media as a federal appeals court deliberates on the President’s authority to deploy the Guard to Portland amid ongoing anti-ICE demonstrations.
In his testimony, General Gronewold sought to clarify the National Guard’s potential role if activated under Title 10 orders. He noted, “I don’t want to speculate on what level of training they will receive or what they will be authorized to perform as far as rules for the use of force. The Title X headquarters will provide that training to them.”
He added, “It is my understanding, however, that protective crowd control will be one of the things they’re trained on, and I will provide my advice to the Title X commander. The Oregon National Guard men and women serve two purposes: one, to defend America, and two, to protect Oregonians. So, by serving in this mission, they will be protecting any protesters at the ICE facility. That’s my desire.”
Gronewold emphasized that “full force” is not a term used doctrinally by the Army, expressing uncertainty about the level of force that may be permitted.
Critics have labeled Gronewold’s remarks as acts of insubordination and even treason against the Commander-in-Chief. Some notable responses on social media include:
“Court Marshal this treasonous General” — Roger Stone (@RogerJStoneJr)
“How can he ‘protect’ people from the law? If they break the law, they are supposed to be held accountable. Sounds like sedition to me.” — Lara Logan (@laralogan)
“His duty is to the Constitution not to insurgents.” — Col. Rob Maness ret. (@RobManess)
“Mealy-mouthed, spineless attempt to straddle the middle. Please RELIEVE these wimpy generals, @SecWar!” — Wendy Rogers (@WendyRogersAZ)
“If Federalized, he’s going to be court martial’d and removed from command.” — awakened (@awakene44042307)
The discussion surrounding General Gronewold’s statements continues to escalate as the National Guard’s role in civil unrest remains a contentious issue.
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