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Chicago’s Mayor was quick to condemn the decision.
Chicago’s Mayor was quick to condemn the decision.
What is happening?
President Donald Trump announced plans to send National Guard troops into Chicago.
He told reporters at the White House: “We’re going in. I didn’t say when, but we’re going in.”
Mayor calls it a political stunt
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sharply criticized Trump’s announcement.
“He just wants his own secret police force,” he said.
Johnson accused Trump of using federal force to distract from poor poll numbers and economic woes.
Federal judge blocks military use in california
Just hours before Trump’s comments, a judge blocked military use in California.
The ruling doesn’t apply to other states but referenced Trump’s threats to Chicago.
Legal experts say the decision strengthens future challenges to Trump’s plans.
Trump’s broader use of Executive Power
This isn’t Trump’s first push to expand federal authority.
He’s issued executive orders on immigration, affirmative action, and more.
Critics warn that deploying troops domestically risks public trust in the military.
Governor Pritzker sounds the alarm
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said he learned of Trump’s plans from reporters.
He said ICE agents and military vehicles were being staged for Chicago.
More agents are reportedly on the way from across the country.
Federal agents to be based at naval base
Pritzker said the federal build-up will use federal land, like Great Lakes Naval Base.
Agents and military vehicles could be stationed there.
Personnel are said to be arriving from cities including Los Angeles.
Trump says he’ll act without permission
Trump stated he would welcome cooperation but won’t wait for it.
“We have the right to do it,” he said.
He also named Baltimore as another possible target for federal intervention.
Chicago won’t cooperate, Johnson says
Mayor Johnson made it clear: local police won’t work with National Guard troops.
He said Trump’s deployment would not receive support from city officials.
The city views the move as both illegal and unnecessary.
Whistleblowers leak Trump’s plans
According to Pritzker, insider sources confirmed the troop build-up.
These “unauthorized patriotic officials,” along with reporters, helped expose the operation.
The leaks suggest the White House is avoiding transparency.
Crime rates in cities are dropping
Trump argues these deployments are to fight rising crime. But city stats don’t back that up.
Chicago and Baltimore have both seen major drops in gun violence and homicides.
Trump may invoke Section 12406
Trump could try using Section 12406 to bypass state consent. That law allows troop deployments under certain conditions.
But experts say using it this way will likely face court challenges.
A test of Presidential Power
Trump’s move could reshape how much power presidents can wield domestically.
The battle over Chicago may define legal limits for years to come.
