Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of “attempting to manufacture a crisis” after reports emerged that the Pentagon is drafting plans to potentially deploy military forces in Chicago. The governor stated that Illinois has made no requests for federal assistance and sees no emergency that would justify such intervention.
President Trump’s Threat and Pentagon’s Response
During a press conference, President Trump called Chicago “a mess” and hinted that the federal government would “straighten that one out probably next.” This statement followed his recent deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., as part of a crackdown on crime, homelessness, and illegal immigration in cities primarily led by Democrats. The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon is currently weighing several options for a military deployment to Chicago, including the mobilization of thousands of National Guard troops as early as September.
Vehement Opposition from State and City Leaders
Governor Pritzker issued a strong statement in response to the reports, asserting that there is “no emergency that warrants the President of the United States federalizing the Illinois National Guard or sending active duty military within our own borders.” He accused Trump of “politicizing Americans who serve in uniform” to distract from other issues.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has not yet commented on the reports but had previously criticized Trump’s approach, calling it “uncoordinated, uncalled for and unsound.” He noted that the federal government could help the city in other ways, but “sending in the military is not one of them.” The article adds that crime in Washington, D.C., was already at a record low when troops were deployed there
