National Guard Withdrawal Announced for Major Cities
President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the National Guard will be temporarily withdrawn from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland as part of efforts led by Democratic officials to address crime. However, he suggested it’s “only a matter of time” before the troops are needed again, following some recent legal challenges.
Trump asserted on Truth Social that the presence of the National Guard had been instrumental in reducing crime in these areas. He claimed, “If the federal government hadn’t intervened, Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago would be gone.”
Initially, the National Guard was sent to these cities to tackle rising crime, which Trump said was spiraling out of control. But recent legal battles have led to this temporary withdrawal.
States like California, Illinois, and Oregon initiated lawsuits to contest the federal move, arguing that the deployment of military forces was overstepping federal authority. Ultimately, a federal judge halted the National Guard’s deployment.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker were among those who criticized Trump’s actions. In a tweet, Newsom called the federalization of the National Guard illegal, emphasizing that they “have admitted defeat” regarding the federal government’s takeover.
In his statement, Trump indicated that the federal government would return with a different strategy when crime rates begin to climb again.
He expressed skepticism about the capabilities of the Democratic mayors and governors, suggesting their administration had failed in managing these cities effectively.
Typically, the National Guard operates under state control, but the president can call them to federal duty in specific circumstances. A recent federal ruling ordered the National Guard to remain under California’s control, specifically in Los Angeles.
Statistical reports revealed Chicago has seen a decrease in homicides, with the total number for 2025 dropping significantly compared to previous years. As of late December, the city recorded 412 homicides, a notable decline from the previous year’s count.
In addition, protests against ICE in Portland have reignited, while Los Angeles has experienced some violent confrontations earlier this year, particularly during protests against the Trump administration’s stricter immigration policies.
