Pro-Trump Activist Pleads No Contest, Says 'Laced' Joint Caused Incident at Portland ICE Protest

Pro-Trump activist Matt Tardio pleaded no contest to felony coercion and misdemeanor harassment after an altercation with a woman at an October ICE protest in Portland, Oregon. Tardio told investigators he became violently ill after smoking what he described as a "chemically laced CBD joint" he shared with counterprotesters, an explanation that figures in police records obtained by reporters.

Background and Allegations

According to open-records reporting by The Bulwark’s Will Sommer and police statements, the demonstrations that day included both anti-ICE and pro-ICE groups and drew influencers including MAGA personality Nick Sortor. The alleged victim, Natalie Bermudez — an ICE supporter and follower of Tardio’s content — told officers that Tardio spoke to her about sex, asked her to go to his hotel room, and then physically compelled her to walk toward a nearby trolley shelter.

Surveillance footage reviewed by police and detectives’ summaries describe escalating physicality: officers say video shows Tardio blocking the woman’s path, lifting or carrying her, and grabbing at her clothing as she tried to flee. Bermudez reported Tardio’s speech was slurred and his appearance pale, which she attributed to a possible drug interaction.

Tardio’s Explanation

Tardio told detectives he was "hurting very, very badly" and that his condition resulted from smoking a joint presented as a "peace offering" from Antifa counterprotesters. He characterized the cigarette as a "chemically laced CBD joint" and said he had brought joints to share, though he suggested they may have been tampered with. Investigators pointed to abundant camera coverage around the ICE facility and nearby businesses that helped reconstruct the timeline.

Legal Outcome

After police recommended charges that included sexual abuse, harassment and kidnapping, Tardio reached a plea agreement with prosecutors on August 26. He pleaded no contest to felony coercion and misdemeanor harassment, will complete a period of probation, and was ordered to pay the alleged victim $10,000. The plea resolves the case without a trial, and no contest pleas typically permit sentencing similar to a guilty plea.

Public Response

Tardio, who has a substantial social-media presence (about 350,000 followers on YouTube and more than 100,000 on X), told the reporter he plans to issue his own statement and suggested viewers should be skeptical of appearances in Portland. His recent posts have focused on the war in Iran.

"Let's be honest, it's Portland," Tardio told a reporter. "Things are not as they appear."

This report is based on public records and reporting first published by Mediaite and The Bulwark.