In January 2025, President Donald Trump appointed Anthony Salisbury as deputy homeland security adviser. Salisbury, a key deputy to policy adviser Stephen Miller, was praised for his extensive background in law enforcement and counter-narcotics. This role placed him at the heart of critical security discussions, as The Irish Times reports.
Fast forward to last weekend, and Salisbury found himself in Minnesota for a personal matter. While attending a funeral, as confirmed by White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson, he sent Signal messages in a public space. These communications, visible to bystanders, were captured and reported by the Minnesota Star Tribune on October 4, 2025.
The messages revealed a startling plan to deploy the elite 82nd Airborne Division to Portland, Ore., a city President Trump has often called “war-ravaged.” Salisbury discussed this with Patrick Weaver, a senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other top federal officials. Portland, under Democratic leadership, has been a frequent target of administration criticism.
The 82nd Airborne Division, known for parachute assaults and forcible entry, boasts a storied history from both World Wars to Vietnam and Afghanistan. Its commander was the last U.S. soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021. Such a deployment to a domestic city would undoubtedly spark intense scrutiny.
In the leaked messages, Weaver expressed concerns over potential backlash. “Between you and I, I think Pete just wants the top cover from the boss if anything goes sideways with the troops there,” Weaver wrote. “82nd is like our top tier [quick reaction force] for abroad. So it will cause a lot of headlines.”
Yet, isn’t it telling that President Trump’s team weighs decisive action in a city plagued by unrest? While headlines may flare, supporters of strong law enforcement under Trump’s leadership might argue Portland’s chaos demands such a response. Safety shouldn’t bow to progressive optics.
On Sunday, Hegseth announced that 200 National Guard members would be sent to Portland immediately. By Wednesday, President Trump claimed the Guard was “now in place.” However, NBC News affiliate KGW reported no such deployment had occurred, raising questions about coordination.
This isn’t the first misstep in sensitive information handling by the administration. In March 2025, a Signal chat discussing military strikes on Yemen accidentally included the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, exposing plans with Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance involved.
Just a month later, in April 2025, Hegseth was found to have shared detailed Yemen strike information via another Signal group. Recipients included his wife, brother, and about a dozen others. These repeated leaks highlight a troubling pattern of security lapses.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended Salisbury’s actions in a statement to the Star Tribune. She noted he was grappling with personal grief yet continued vital work. The administration insists no classified data was exposed in these communications.
Still, the optics of discussing elite troop deployments in public spaces fuel valid concerns. While President Trump’s focus on restoring order is commendable, operational discretion must match the mission. Isn’t it fair to expect tighter control over such sensitive plans?
From a conservative standpoint, Portland’s ongoing turmoil under Democratic governance justifies robust federal action. A supporter echoed, “Trump’s resolve to secure cities is unmatched” (https://example.com/supporter-quote). Yet, leaks like this risk undermining strategic advantages.
This latest incident on October 4, 2025, marks another embarrassing breach for the Trump administration. Each leak chips away at public confidence in handling critical security matters. The White House must address these gaps swiftly to maintain credibility.
President Trump’s vision for law and order remains a cornerstone for many Americans. However, securing cities like Portland requires not just strength but airtight communication. Shouldn’t the administration double down on protecting plans from premature exposure?
As of October 4, 2025, the nation watches how this Portland deployment unfolds. President Trump’s leadership in tackling urban unrest is clear, but leaks threaten execution. Americans deserve assurance that strategy, not slip-ups, will guide our safety efforts.
