Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has denounced President Donald Trump’s alleged plan to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, calling it a dangerous and unconstitutional power grab. During a press conference outside Trump Tower, Pritzker labeled Trump a ‘wannabe dictator’ and accused him of trying to ‘occupy’ the city for political gain. The Democrat warned that such a move would set a dangerous precedent, arguing that Trump’s rhetoric is fueled by a manufactured narrative about Chicago’s crime rates. Pritzker pointed to declining murder rates in the city as evidence, stating that Trump’s claims are not supported by data.
Pritzker criticized the White House’s report suggesting the potential deployment as an overreach, stating it would be both illegal and un-American. He argued that the National Guard should be used for its intended purposes, such as defending federal property and personnel, and not as a tool for political control. The governor emphasized that the people of Illinois, particularly Chicago residents, are not in favor of a military occupation of their city. ‘Go talk to the people of Chicago who are enjoying a gorgeous afternoon in this city… ask if they want their neighborhoods turned into a war zone by a wannabe dictator,’ Pritzker said, flanked by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other local officials.
Trump responded by expressing a desire to be ‘asked’ before sending troops, a statement that many interpreted as a veiled threat. ‘He has to spend more time in the gym,’ Trump quipped, referencing Pritzker’s physical fitness. The president criticized Pritzker’s leadership and the city’s crime record, claiming that Chicago has become a ‘killing field.’ However, Pritzker and Johnson disputed these claims, noting that crime rates in Chicago are actually declining. According to recent data, murders have dropped by 32% compared to last year and nearly cut in half since 2021. Aggravated assaults have also declined by 4% compared to 2023 but remain 4% higher than in 2019.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed Pritzker’s concerns, calling the potential deployment a ‘stunt’ and arguing that it stems from racial bias. ‘We cannot incarcerate our way out of violence,’ Johnson stated, emphasizing that the city has moved past a system of mass incarceration. ‘It is racist. It is immoral. It is unholy,’ he added. The mayoral candidate argued that the city’s current approach to crime and public safety is a more effective solution than involving federal troops.
The dispute highlights a growing tension between the federal government and local leaders over the use of military power in urban areas. National Guard units deployed without state approval are generally restricted to defending federal property and personnel. When Guard troops were sent to Los Angeles in June over anti-ICE protests, they were confined to federal buildings and escort duties for immigration agents. In Washington, D.C., which is under federal jurisdiction, Guard units have conducted armed patrols alongside local police.
Pritzker’s condemnation of Trump’s alleged plot comes amid a broader political battle over law enforcement and national security. The Democrat vowed to fight the potential deployment in court, asserting that it would be a violation of state sovereignty and constitutional rights. ‘We will see the Trump administration in court,’ Pritzker concluded, ‘and we will use every lever at our disposal to protect the people of Illinois and their rights.’