'That's pure insurrection': Trump makes startling claim to MAGA TV host

President Donald Trump uncorked a startling remark Monday night, asserting that Portland, Oregon, is committing an "insurrection" as his administration deploys military troops in a controversial attempt to curb crime among American citizens.

The Insurrection Act of 1807 allows the president to send the U.S. military or federalize National Guard units to suppress insurrection, rebellion, or obstruction of federal law enforcement if local authorities can't or won't maintain order.

On Monday night, Newsmax host Greg Kelly asked the president whether he would formally invoke the act.

"Is that a kind of way to get around all this opposition?" asked Kelly.

"Well, it is a way to get around it. If we don't have to use it, I wouldn't use it," Trump replied.

The president then doubled down on his claims that Portland is under siege from violent protesters.

"If you take a look at what's been going on in Portland, it's been going on for a long time. That's insurrection. I mean, that's pure insurrection," he said.

Trump, who previously described the city as "like living hell," then falsely claimed the city is "burning down."

State and local officials have responded to Trump's attacks on Portland, with Mayor Keith Wilson saying in a news release, "We are proud that Portland police have successfully protected freedom of expression while addressing occasional violence and property destruction that takes place during protests at the ICE facility in Portland."

"We anticipate that the site, and the half-block surrounding it, will continue to be a focus of protests. Portland will continue to rise to the moment as a proud sanctuary city, taking legal action to stand up for our community and our rights," he said.

Oregon Attorney Dan Rayfield previously vowed to take Trump to court if he sends troops to Oregon.

"Although some threats from the Trump administration may be new or surprising, this one is not: we’ve been preparing to respond since Trump returned to office," Rayfield said. "We’re actively preparing for various scenarios, in coordination with key partners in Oregon, and our multistate AG coalition."

Trump himself faced accusations of inciting an insurrection in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. However, Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team ultimately decided against charging Trump under the federal insurrection law.