President Donald Trump’s plan to send troops to Chicago is an abuse of power, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said.
He stated there is no emergency that justifies the National Guard in Illinois. He accused Trump of attempting to manufacture a crisis.
Trump already sent about 2,000 troops to Washington DC. The capital’s government, also run by Democrats, opposes his move. Trump portrays the deployment as a crackdown on crime in major US cities.
On Friday, Trump announced that Chicago and New York could be next.
Chicago mayor warns of rising tensions
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he had not received official information about National Guard deployment. He expressed grave concerns about the president’s approach. He described the idea as uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.
Johnson warned that unlawful deployment could inflame tensions between residents and police. He said it could also undermine progress in reducing crime.
Washington troops ordered to carry weapons
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the National Guard in Washington DC to be armed. This decision marks a sharp shift from the Pentagon’s earlier stance. Just last week, the Pentagon said troops would remain unarmed.
So far, the Guard has not joined police operations. Local officers and federal agencies continue law enforcement duties. Guard members remain stationed near landmarks such as the National Mall and Union Station.
The Pentagon stated that troops will carry their service weapons consistent with training and mission. It is unclear if this decision changes their role.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has not yet commented.
Trump defends crackdown as success
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said the mission brought total safety to Washington. He described the capital as unsafe before deployment but claimed it is safe now. He praised the mission and suggested expansion to Chicago.
Trump said as many as 1,700 Guardsmen will mobilise in 19 states in coming weeks. Texas will host the largest number. Guardsmen will support immigration enforcement and act as visible deterrents.
Trump also said he may declare a national emergency once the 30-day deployment ends. That step would allow him to keep troops indefinitely. He insisted he would use the measure if conditions do not improve.
Resistance grows among city leaders
Several Republican-led states, including South Carolina and West Virginia, already contributed forces to the crackdown. Trump also announced plans to seek $2 billion from Congress to beautify Washington. Earlier this year, Congress cut the city’s budget by $1.1 billion.
Attorney General Pam Bondi reported more than 700 arrests since the operation began. She said 91 illegal firearms were seized, including 40 arrests on Thursday alone.
Local officials questioned the need for federal involvement. Mayor Bowser pointed to a sharp drop in crime, describing it as the lowest in 30 years.
A recent poll by the Washington Post and Schar School showed widespread opposition. Nearly 80 percent of residents rejected federal officers, the National Guard, and federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department.
