Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) likened President Trump to terrorists after Trump threatened to cut federal funding to the sanctuary city.
“We’re being held hostage, manipulated to submit to his demands, while we’re also trying to utilize our taxes. That’s exactly what terrorists do,” Johnson stated on Tuesday. “Look, he won’t be able to seize the ransom from people in Chicago.”
Following the start of his second term, Trump has focused on sanctuary cities or regions that restrict the sharing of information with federal immigration authorities.
In February, Trump issued an executive order instructing federal departments and agencies to avoid endorsing subsidies or incentives for illegal immigration, or shielding “sanctuary” policies from deportations, aiming to dismantle these so-called “sanctuary” practices.
As a sanctuary city, Chicago stands to lose approximately $3.5 billion if Trump’s stance is solidified.
The nation’s third-largest city secured nearly $2.5 billion in federal funding last year. However, the anticipated $1.12 billion gap in the budget is relying on $2.7 billion in federal grants this year.
“These aren’t mere threats,” Johnson remarked. “These constitute genuine aggressive acts against workers.”
The mayor mentioned he has no intention of visiting the White House to address the threat with the president.
“There’s a long history of black political leaders engaging with those who may not regard us as equals,” Johnson declared.
“Aside from the 2016 Cubs World Series ring, I’m not bowing down. The President of the United States has an open invitation on the fifth floor of Frekin Street, in the world’s biggest city, Chicago. He can meet with me,” he insisted.
“I’m accountable for working people and I’m standing up for them, but are you attempting to impose your will to break the resolve of those who strive for dialogue? It’s terrorism. We won’t negotiate with terrorists.”
Johnson is not the first Chicago mayor to have a contentious relationship with Trump.
His predecessor, Lori Lightfoot (D), frequently clashed with the president during his first term.
In 2020, following George Floyd’s murder, Lightfoot accused Trump of dishonoring Floyd’s legacy.
“I really censored what I wanted to say to Donald Trump. It’s two words. It starts with an F, and it ends with you,” Lightfoot stated at that time.
