Illinois Governor JB Pritzker strongly rejected President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy troops to Chicago. He called the move an abuse of power.
Pritzker argued no emergency justifies the National Guard entering Illinois. He accused Trump of fabricating a crisis to justify federal intervention.
Trump has already sent about 2,000 troops to Washington DC. The capital’s Democratic leadership opposes the measure. Trump portrays the deployment as part of a wider fight against crime in American cities.
On Friday, he said Chicago and New York could face the same approach.
Chicago mayor warns of dangerous fallout
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he had not been informed about National Guard deployment. He expressed grave concern over the president’s plan. He described it as uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.
Johnson warned that unlawful deployment could increase tensions between residents and police. He added it could reverse progress in reducing crime across the city.
Pentagon arms National Guard in Washington
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered National Guard troops in Washington DC to carry weapons. The decision reversed the Pentagon’s previous position. Just last week, officials said the Guard would remain unarmed.
So far, Guard members have not joined policing operations. Local police and federal agencies continue those duties. Guardsmen remain stationed near landmarks such as the National Mall and Union Station.
The Pentagon confirmed troops will carry weapons in line with their training and mission. It remains unclear whether this signals a new role.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has not yet issued a response.
Trump praises results and considers emergency powers
Trump claimed the Washington mission restored safety in the capital. He said the city had been unsafe but is now secure. He praised the troops and suggested extending the mission to Chicago.
He also announced that 1,700 Guardsmen will mobilise across 19 states in the coming weeks. Texas will receive the largest number. The troops will back immigration enforcement and act as deterrents.
Trump added he may declare a national emergency once the 30-day deadline ends. That would allow him to keep troops in Washington indefinitely. He said he would act if conditions demanded it.
Growing backlash among local officials
Some Republican-led states, including South Carolina and West Virginia, already sent troops to the mission. Trump also vowed to seek $2 billion from Congress to beautify Washington. Earlier this year, lawmakers cut the city’s budget by $1.1 billion.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said more than 700 arrests had been made since the operation began. She reported that 91 illegal firearms had been seized, including 40 arrests on Thursday alone.
Local officials questioned the need for federal involvement. Mayor Bowser highlighted a sharp fall in crime, describing it as the lowest in 30 years.
A Washington Post and Schar School poll revealed strong opposition. Nearly 80 percent of residents rejected the National Guard deployment and federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department.
