Independent journalist Nick Sortor told Newsmax's "Finnerty" that former President Donald Trump and top Justice Department officials have taken interest in investigating his recent arrest in Portland, Oregon, calling it an example of police corruption and political targeting.
Sortor, who has been documenting ongoing protests near a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, said he was assaulted while covering the unrest but he was arrested by local police instead of his attacker.
"We're going to find out exactly who gave the order to arrest me," Sortor said, claiming that rank-and-file officers disagreed with the decision and that it likely came from higher up. "My 'crime' was trying to expose corruption within the police department."
Sortor added that Trump personally texted him to offer support, while Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon have been in contact and are "aggressively" investigating his case. He said their interest extends beyond his situation, encompassing other journalists who he claims have faced similar treatment.
"This isn't a one-off," Sortor said. "They're looking into a broader pattern of abuse against members of the press."
Sortor plans to continue reporting from Portland despite heightened tensions and said he expects more attempts to intimidate or silence him.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
Eric Mack ✉
Eric Mack has been a writer and editor at Newsmax since 2016. He is a 1998 Syracuse University journalism graduate and a New York Press Association award-winning writer.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.