Chicago Mayor Blasts Trump’s National Guard Plans

Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson criticized President Trump’s suggestion of deploying the National Guard, emphasizing the city’s commitment to protecting its residents’ dignity.

“There are no federal troops in Chicago. No militarized presence here,” Johnson stated. He noted that “workers, rather than billionaires,” are demonstrating, and affirmed, “We will safeguard democracy in our city and defend the humanity of all Chicagoans.”

Johnson remarked, “Some might think we can’t overcome authoritarianism. Yet, as a history teacher, I know we’ve stood for our workers in the past—and we will again.”

This tension arises shortly after Johnson issued an executive order detailing how the city would manage a National Guard deployment aimed at reducing crime rates in the nation’s third-largest city.

The order makes clear that the Chicago Police Department (CPD) will remain under local control and called on Trump to halt any plans involving the National Guard.

Trump, having deployed soldiers to assist with security in Washington, D.C., hinted that Chicago, known for its persistent gun violence issues, might be next.

CPD reports indicate that over Labor Day weekend, there were 34 shootings, resulting in seven fatalities. Overall, at least 54 individuals lost their lives to gun violence recently.

In a Tuesday post on Truth Social, Trump pointed out, “At least 54 people were shot, and eight died over the weekend in Chicago. The previous weekends were similar.” He declared, “Chicago is the most dangerous city in the world. Governor Pritzker desperately needs help, though he may not realize it yet.”

He added, “We’ll fix the crime issue swiftly, just as we did in D.C. Chicago will be safe once again. Let’s make America great again!”

Johnson, along with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, firmly opposes the potential deployment of troops in the city.

On another front, Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noem announced that immigration enforcement operations in Chicago would be intensified. “We’re already working with ICE in the city, but we’re adding more resources to this effort,” she shared during an interview with CBS News.

Additionally, the administration is contemplating using a naval station near Chicago as a base for immigration agents.