Pritzker Responds to Trump’s Threat of National Guard Deployment

Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois stated that the state “will never stand by” while President Trump weighs the idea of deploying the National Guard in Chicago to tackle crime issues in the city.

In a post on social media, Pritzker emphasized that, “Unlike Donald Trump, we keep our promises.”

He elaborated that, “Actions are filled with responses.”

This exchange continues a heated disagreement between Pritzker and Trump regarding the potential federal troop presence in Chicago.

Last week, Pritzker declared that there wasn’t a criminal emergency in the city and accused Trump of attempting to create a crisis while politicizing law enforcement to distract from the struggles facing working families.

“The safety of Illinois residents will always be my top priority,” Pritzker asserted. “There isn’t an emergency that justifies calling in the National Guard or active-duty troops. We will adhere to the law, empower state sovereignty, and keep protecting our citizens.”

On Monday, he labeled the proposed federal deployment as “unconstitutional” and “non-American.”

“Donald Trump wants to use troops to occupy American cities, to punish his opponents and gain political leverage,” he said. “If this were happening elsewhere, it would be easy to label it for what it is—an attempt to seize control.”

Chicago’s Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson referenced data indicating a drop in violent crime last year, including over a 30% decrease in violent incidents and nearly 40% in shootings.

However, Chicago Police statistics show that crime rates are still elevated compared to 2021.

“The issue with the president’s approach is its lack of coordination and transparency,” Johnson remarked. “Trust between police and community members is essential for a safer environment. Illegally deploying the National Guard could escalate tensions.”

“When we resist tyranny, the people of Illinois always prevail,” he added.

Other state leaders have also criticized the potential troop deployment.

Trump fired back at Pritzker and Johnson on Tuesday, calling the governor “incompetent” and labeling the mayor as “not good.”

“Chicago experienced a truly disastrous weekend,” Trump commented regarding crime rates, stating, “Six deaths, with 27 individuals shot. Governor Pritzker claims crime is under control, but the truth is quite the opposite. He should be reaching out to me for assistance.”

This response follows Trump’s efforts to enhance federal law enforcement’s presence in Washington, D.C., aimed at crime reduction.

Numerous federal agents and National Guard members have been dispatched to the streets of D.C. as part of these measures.