Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has blasted former President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, calling it an “abuse of power” and accusing him of “manufacturing a crisis.” The governor insists there is no emergency that justifies military involvement in the state.
Trump has already deployed around 2,000 National Guard troops to Washington DC as part of what he describes as a crackdown on crime in major US cities run by Democrats. Until recently, the Pentagon had barred these troops from carrying weapons, but US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has now ordered that they be armed while stationed in the capital.
While the Trump administration has touted the mission as a success, polls show nearly 80% of Washington residents oppose the deployment, with many viewing it as politically motivated.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he has not received any official communication about the deployment but warned that such a move would be “uncalled for, uncoordinated, and unsound.” He argued that an “unlawful deployment” of federal troops could inflame tensions between residents and law enforcement, undermining the city’s efforts to reduce crime.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump defended the plan, claiming the Washington DC mission brought “total safety” to the capital and could be replicated in Chicago and New York. He went as far as to describe Washington before the deployment as “a hellhole.” He also hinted at declaring a national emergency to extend troop presence beyond the 30-day deadline, which would allow him to keep forces in cities indefinitely.
Reports indicate that as many as 1,700 additional National Guard personnel could be mobilized across 19 states, with Texas receiving the largest contingent. Troops are expected to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and act as a visible deterrent. Several Republican-led states, including South Carolina and West Virginia, have already pledged forces.
Meanwhile, Trump has requested $2 billion from Congress for a new initiative to “beautify” Washington, following budget cuts imposed earlier this year.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has not yet commented on the Pentagon’s decision to arm National Guard troops. However, she has previously emphasized that crime in the city has significantly declined, reaching what she called a “30-year violent crime low.”
Despite these reassurances, Attorney General Pam Bondi reported more than 700 arrests since the crackdown began, including 91 illegal firearms seized. Still, polls consistently show strong local opposition to Trump’s intervention.
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