Will Trump Send Troops To Chicago? City, State Leaders Call Threat An Authoritarian Power Grab

President Trump announced plans to send the National Guard to Chicago, calling the city a "mess" and claiming residents are "screaming" for help. Mayor Brandon Johnson countered that such a deployment would be illegal and unnecessary, especially as Chicago experiences its lowest crime rate in three decades. He described Trump's crime strategy as uncoordinated and potentially harmful to community trust in law enforcement. Johnson highlighted a 30% reduction in homicides and a nearly 40% drop in shootings, arguing that investment in housing and community safety is far more effective. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also criticized Trump's approach, asserting that residents want solutions to pressing economic problems, not an "authoritarian power grab.

" Johnson and Pritzker both cited the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in civilian law enforcement, as a legal barrier to Trump's plans. The ongoing court case regarding a previous National Guard deployment in Los Angeles further complicates Trump's strategy. Local leaders stress that true safety comes from community investment, not military presence.