Trump Pushes for Action on Chicago Crime, Faces Pushback from State and City Leaders
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Right-Leaning
Why: The focus highlights Trump’s framing of Chicago as “the worst” city and emphasizes federal intervention, aligning with a conservative law-and-order narrative, while also including Democratic pushback.
Trump’s Call for Federal Action
President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of Chicago on Tuesday, pointing to gun violence over Labor Day weekend as proof the city needs federal intervention.
Eight people were killed and more than 50 were injured during the holiday period.
On his social media platform, Trump wrote: “Chicago is the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far. Pritzker needs help badly, he just doesn't know it yet. I will solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC.”
He warned Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to “straighten it out, FAST, or we're coming!”
Governor Pritzker’s Response
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, is set to address residents at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.
Pritzker has consistently opposed Trump’s proposal to send in National Guard troops.
On CBS News’ Face the Nation, Pritzker called such deployments “un-American.”
He stressed that military forces in U.S. cities should only be considered in the case of an insurrection or national emergency.
Pritzker added that sending troops to Chicago would amount to an “invasion.”
Local Officials Push Back
Chicago leaders are also rejecting federal military involvement.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, at a Labor Day march, led chants of “no troops in Chicago.”
He stated: “No federal troops in the city of Chicago, no militarized force in the city of Chicago. We're going to defend our democracy… and protect the humanity of every single person.”
Crime Trends in Chicago
Despite the violent weekend, city data shows crime has been decreasing overall in 2024.
Shootings fell by 37% in the first half of the year.
Homicides dropped by 32%.
Total violent crime declined by more than 22%.
These figures contrast sharply with Trump’s characterization of Chicago as uniquely dangerous.
Federal Planning Already Underway
A U.S. official told ABC News last month that the Pentagon had been preparing for the possible use of National Guard troops in Chicago.
Trump previously floated the idea of deploying federal forces to other cities, citing his actions in Washington, D.C.
More recently, he indicated he would prefer cities to formally request federal assistance before any intervention.
Immigration Enforcement in Focus
Federal attention on Chicago also extends to immigration.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed increased enforcement operations are being planned in the city.
While declining to share details, she emphasized the focus would be on “the worst of the worst” — individuals tied to violent crime, drug trafficking, or human trafficking.
Noem said: “Every single citizen deserves to be safe.”
What’s Next
Pritzker’s afternoon press conference is expected to outline Illinois’ response to Trump’s statements and potential federal actions.
Chicago officials continue to argue that local policing and community strategies, not federal troops, are the proper approach.
The debate reflects a long-standing divide between Trump’s tough-on-crime stance and Democratic leaders’ resistance to federal intervention in local policing matters.