Illinois Governor JB Pritzker sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy troops to Chicago. He said the move is an abuse of power.
Pritzker insisted no emergency justifies such action in Illinois. He accused Trump of manufacturing a crisis for political effect.
Trump has already stationed about 2,000 troops in Washington DC. The city’s Democratic leadership strongly opposes the measure. Trump frames the deployment as part of a crime crackdown in American cities.
On Friday, he announced Chicago and New York could soon face the same plan.
Chicago mayor calls plan reckless
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he had received no official notice of National Guard deployment. He raised serious concerns about the president’s intentions. He called the idea uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.
Johnson warned that an unlawful deployment could raise tensions between residents and police. He added it might threaten progress made in reducing crime rates.
Pentagon orders armed presence in Washington
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth directed National Guard members in Washington DC to carry weapons. The order reversed earlier Pentagon guidance. Just last week, officials confirmed the troops would remain unarmed.
So far, Guard troops have not taken part in policing. Local officers and federal agencies continue those duties. Troops remain posted at key sites such as the National Mall and Union Station.
The Pentagon stated troops will now carry weapons consistent with training and mission. It remains unclear if their role will expand.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has not responded publicly.
Trump defends mission and signals more action
Trump declared the Washington mission a success in Oval Office remarks. He claimed the capital had gone from unsafe to secure. He praised the troops and suggested the same approach could come to Chicago.
Trump announced up to 1,700 Guardsmen will deploy across 19 states in the coming weeks. Texas will host the most. The Guard will support immigration enforcement and serve as a deterrent.
He added he may declare a national emergency after the 30-day deadline expires. That would allow troops to remain indefinitely. He vowed to use the measure if he believed conditions demanded it.
Growing opposition across cities
Republican-led states including South Carolina and West Virginia already sent forces to assist. Trump also pledged to request $2 billion from Congress to beautify Washington. Earlier this year, lawmakers cut the city’s budget by $1.1 billion.
Attorney General Pam Bondi reported more than 700 arrests since the operation began. She said authorities seized 91 illegal firearms, including 40 arrests on Thursday.
Local leaders questioned the need for federal involvement. Mayor Bowser pointed to a major fall in crime, calling it the lowest level in 30 years.
A Washington Post and Schar School poll revealed overwhelming opposition. Nearly 80 percent of residents opposed both the deployment and the federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department.
