Dem Senator Who Skipped Trump’s State of the Union Praises Unconventional Protesters

In a striking display of political symbolism, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon praised a group of frog-costumed protesters as “patriots,” crediting them for successfully opposing President Donald Trump’s crime-fighting initiatives in Portland.

“Boy, the frogs are rocking this town,” Wyden declared Tuesday night at a Democratic counter-programming event he attended instead of the President’s State of the Union address. “I’m with the frogs, and I’m with all of you. Because political change starts at the grassroots.”

The senator specifically highlighted the social media presence of the protesters, noting, “For weeks, social media was flooded with these wonderful patriots. Videos of unicyclers, naked bike riders, the guy in the chicken suit, and a whole lot of frogs.”

The protesters, known as the Portland Frog Brigade, employ inflatable animal costumes as a form of peaceful protest. According to their website, the group uses “creative dissent” to defend constitutional rights and the rule of law.

Wyden’s praise came in the context of Portland’s recent legal victory against the Trump administration’s attempt to deploy National Guard troops to the city. “When Donald Trump sent his agents to the streets of Portland, we took on authoritarianism, and we won!” Wyden proclaimed.

The conflict began in September when the Trump administration announced plans to deploy National Guard troops to several urban centers across the country, including Portland, as part of a national crime reduction strategy. The announcement immediately sparked protests and strong opposition from local officials.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson publicly rejected the federal intervention, stating on social media: “Portland is an American city, not a military target. President Trump has directed all necessary troops to Portland, Oregon. The number of necessary troops is zero.”

The state of Oregon swiftly challenged the deployment in court through the case of Oregon v. Trump, arguing the administration lacked legal authority to use federal troops for local law enforcement purposes. This legal battle became a focal point in the national debate over federal versus state authority in policing matters.

While the case proceeded through the courts, Portland’s crime statistics showed modest improvements. According to the Portland Police Bureau, person-based crimes—including homicides, kidnappings, sexual offenses, and vehicular manslaughter—decreased by 18 percent between October 2025 and January 2026. Total crime, including property and social crimes such as drug offenses, fell by 8 percent during the same period.

By December, the Trump administration began scaling back its deployment to Portland following a series of legal setbacks. Most recently, the administration abandoned efforts to overturn a Ninth Circuit Court order halting the National Guard deployment to the city.

“Oregon National Guard members are currently in transit to Fort Bliss, Texas, where they will demobilize, and the demobilization process will take approximately 7 to 14 days to complete,” the court stated in a January 8 ruling.

The Portland situation represents the latest chapter in a long-running tension between the Trump administration and progressive cities over issues of policing, protest, and federal intervention. The Portland Frog Brigade has emerged as a unique symbol of resistance, combining whimsical costumes with serious political messaging.

The White House did not respond to requests for comment on Senator Wyden’s characterization of the National Guard withdrawal from Portland.

The Portland protests have taken various creative forms, including the Frog Brigade and other distinctive demonstrations that have gained national attention through social media. These unorthodox protest methods highlight the city’s reputation for political activism and unconventional expression in the face of federal policies many residents oppose.

As National Guard troops complete their demobilization process at Fort Bliss, both sides are claiming victory in what has become a significant constitutional showdown over the limits of federal authority in local policing matters.