Scarborough Urges Illinois Gov. Pritzker to Collaborate with Trump
MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough called on Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to take “radical” action during a segment on Tuesday. This comes in light of President Trump’s recent suggestions to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, following his use of federal forces in Washington, D.C., to address crime. Pritzker, however, has firmly opposed the idea, labeling it as a move towards “dangerous forces.”
While Scarborough agreed that there may be constitutional concerns regarding the deployment of the National Guard in Chicago, he emphasized that Pritzker should consider at least working with Trump. “I think he should pick up the phone and reach out to the President,” Scarborough said. “You don’t have the authority to do it here, but why not find a partnership?”
His remarks came after a particularly violent Labor Day weekend in Chicago, where at least 58 people were shot, with eight fatalities. Both Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson maintain that federal assistance isn’t necessary.
Scarborough critiqued the leaders for underestimating the seriousness of crime in the city. He remarked that the dismissive attitude of local officials—claiming “there’s nothing to see here”—doesn’t align with the reality of protecting residents. “I’m fighting for their lives, not just their dignity,” he asserted.
Scarborough suggested, perhaps somewhat optimistically, that a collaboration between local and federal authorities could offer a path forward. He mentioned that fostering cooperation could lead to tangible benefits for communities.
In response to Trump’s threats of deploying federal forces, Johnson signed an executive order rejecting any such plans. He asserted that Chicago would not accept “unconstitutional and illegal military occupation” and pledged to do everything possible to protect both democracy and community safety.
Interestingly, Johnson has been evasive when questioned by Scarborough regarding the potential impact of increasing police presence on crime reduction.
