Trump Plans Military Deployment to Chicago, Sparks Controversy

President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to deploy military forces to Chicago, a move that has elicited strong criticism from state officials. According to the Washington Post, Pentagon officials have been discussing the potential deployment of thousands of National Guard troops to the city, possibly as early as September 2023. The consideration of sending active-duty troops has also been mentioned.

This news follows Trump’s remarks on Friday, suggesting that Chicago could be next in line for military intervention. Earlier this month, he dispatched 2,000 National Guard troops to patrol Washington, D.C.. Trump justified these actions by claiming they would address crime and homelessness, despite the fact that Chicago’s crime rate has reached a 30-year low.

Governor JB Pritzker responded to the news with a statement on Saturday, asserting that there has been no request from federal officials for law enforcement assistance. He emphasized that “there is no emergency” that would warrant the federalization of the Illinois National Guard or the deployment of active-duty military within the state. Pritzker accused Trump of attempting to “manufacture a crisis” and politicizing military personnel to distract from issues affecting working families.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also criticized the president’s threats, labeling them “uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.” Johnson expressed concerns that deploying the National Guard could escalate tensions between the community and law enforcement, particularly when trust is essential for building safer neighborhoods. He pointed to recent statistics showing a 30 percent reduction in homicides and a nearly 40 percent drop in shootings in 2025 as evidence of progress.

This is not the first instance of Trump suggesting military action in major cities. Earlier in the month, he indicated that cities led by Democrats, including New York and Los Angeles, could also face similar military deployments, despite significant declines in violent crime in those areas.

Legal experts have raised questions about the authority of the federal government to send troops to states. A legal challenge is currently underway regarding Trump’s earlier decision to deploy National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles in June during protests over immigration raids. Although that deployment was initially deemed illegal, an appeals court later permitted it to continue, and most troops have since departed.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul condemned Trump’s actions, stating they move the nation towards “authoritarianism.” Raoul emphasized that deploying military personnel for civilian law enforcement duties is not only un-American but also strategically unwise, as these service members lack the necessary training for such roles.

As tensions rise over the proposed military deployment, local officials are calling for dialogue and cooperation rather than unilateral actions that could exacerbate existing challenges. Community leaders are urging the federal government to respect local governance and prioritize effective strategies for reducing crime and enhancing public safety.