Former Obama advisor and CNN political commentator David Axelrod joined an increasing chorus of criticism against Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s approach to the growing crime crisis in Chicago. On Wednesday, Axelrod issued a public warning, cautioning the governor against using the 2028 presidential race as a political arena for issues related to crime. He argued that such a strategy would be counterproductive, particularly as the federal government, under President Donald Trump, has proposed sending National Guard troops to the city to address the surge in violence.
Axelrod’s comments took place during a segment on CNN’s “The Arena,” where he outlined his reservations about Pritzker’s potential political maneuvers. He acknowledged the gravity of the situation with the recent spike in violent crimes, including the tragic shooting incidents over Labor Day, which left at least eight dead. However, he stressed that instead of playing politics, Pritzker should focus on actionable solutions, such as increasing police resources and improving prosecution efforts within the city. “All of that, more prosecutors. All of that is true,” Axelrod remarked, suggesting that while addressing crime is crucial, it should not be weaponized for political gain.
The governor, however, remains defiant in his stance against National Guard deployment, a position that has drawn increasing pressure from the Trump administration. Despite this, Pritzker has consistently maintained that the federal government lacks the authority to intervene in local law enforcement matters, a stance that has been echoed by other Illinois leaders. Meanwhile, Trump’s plan to deploy troops has intensified the debate over the appropriate level of federal involvement in policing, further complicating the political landscape.
Adding to the discourse, MSNBC host Joe Scarborough urged Pritzker to engage constructively with Trump. Scarborough suggested that the governor should reach out to the president to discuss a partnership on crime reduction, despite the constitutional constraints on the National Guard’s role. Scarborough’s comments came in response to reports of rising violence in Chicago, as he criticized Democratic leaders for minimizing the scale of the crisis. His remarks highlight the polarizing nature of the issue, with differing perspectives on how to balance local autonomy with federal support in times of crisis.
As the situation in Chicago continues to evolve, the political ramifications of these discussions are becoming increasingly significant. Axelrod’s warning to Pritzker underscores the delicate balance between addressing real challenges and navigating the complex political landscape that accompanies such issues. The ongoing debate over crime, National Guard deployment, and political strategy is likely to shape the discourse in both Chicago and the national arena for months to come.