Trump Considers National Guard Deployment in Chicago

President Donald Trump may send more National Guard forces to Chicago this week. This potential action coincides with his administration’s intensified crackdown on crime, which local leaders claim is politically motivated, reflecting a further federal presence in a city led by Democrats.

On Friday, Trump addressed crime in major U.S. cities, labeling Washington, D.C. as “hell.” He noted that over 2,200 National Guard members had been mobilized to patrol the streets. “It’s safe now,” he remarked, following a visit with troops stationed in the capital.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondy mentioned last week that since August 11, more than 700 arrests have been made in D.C.

Trump has indicated he’s broadening his security efforts to additional cities, including Chicago, but specifics remain unclear. “Chicago is confused. You have an incompetent mayor,” Trump stated, hinting that the city could be the next focus after D.C.

In response, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, expressed that his city hasn’t received any information regarding additional federal assistance, calling the administration’s approach “uncoordinated, unknown, and unhealthy.”

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker echoed these sentiments, stating that he hadn’t been informed by the federal government, and mentioned that no request for security help had been made by the state.

Chicago, with a population of roughly 2.7 million, has struggled with high homicide rates, holding the top spot for the past thirteen years, with 573 murders recorded in 2024 alone.

Currently, it’s uncertain what size of National Guard deployment might occur in Chicago or when it would begin. Over the weekend, Trump also suggested the possibility of sending the National Guard to Baltimore after participating in a public safety event alongside Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

Trump commented on social media that he would prefer addressing crime issues in Maryland before engaging in a public walk. He articulated that National Guard members could be dispatched there to “quickly clean up crime.” He also noted dissatisfaction with Moore’s tone during discussions.

Earlier this month, plans were announced to tackle crime and homelessness in the capital. Trump remarked on D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser, stating, “she’s tried… but the crime numbers keep worsening, and cities are becoming less appealing.” He emphasized that Americans are no longer silent on these issues.

In another post, Trump expressed a desire for the homeless to leave D.C. and reiterated his resolve to deal with crime swiftly. “Criminals, you don’t have to move. We’ll put you in jail where you belong,” he declared, hinting at imminent crackdowns on both homelessness and crime.

Further details regarding these initiatives are expected to be shared at a press conference on Monday.