Trump and Pritzker Clash Over Chicago Troop Deployment
On Wednesday, President Trump stated he should be “in prison” to prevent Illinois Governor JB Pritzker from asserting control in Chicago.
Pritzker escalated the verbal conflict late Tuesday during a phone interview with the Chicago Tribune, criticizing Trump’s decision to send troops to maintain order and protect ICE agents amid protests in the city.
“This is someone who suffers from dementia,” Pritzker said, referring to Trump, who is being discussed as a potential Democratic presidential candidate. However, he didn’t provide further evidence to back his serious claim.
In his comments, Pritzker remarked, “This guy can’t seem to let things go. He doesn’t stay informed, and it seems there’s something troubling in his thought processes regarding these city operations.”
Trump responded early Wednesday, targeting both Pritzker and Chicago’s progressive Mayor Brandon Johnson.
“The Mayor of Chicago should be in prison for not protecting ICE officers! And so should Governor Pritzker!” Trump expressed on his platform.
Pritzker and Johnson’s offices have not yet replied to requests for comments.
Trump’s remarks followed his arrival in Illinois to protect federal personnel and property due to ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to Pentagon officials, about 200 security personnel were dispatched to the area within the first two months.
As confirmed by the Pentagon, around 12 arrests occurred near the ICE facility situated in Broadview, Illinois.
Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noem announced the deployment of additional special operations personnel to Illinois after federal agents encountered significant challenges.
In response to the troop deployment, Pritzker and Johnson filed a lawsuit on Monday aimed at halting the Trump administration’s efforts to send National Guard troops to Chicago and its surrounding areas.
Johnson described the National Guard’s deployment on Tuesday as “illegal, unconstitutional, dangerous, and wrong.”
