Pritzker says he will respond if Trump deploys National Guard to Chicago
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Vows Response if Trump Deploys National Guard to Chicago
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Illinois’ Democratic Governor JB Pritzker has made it clear that the state will not sit back if President Donald Trump follows through on his threat to send the National Guard to Chicago in response to crime in the city.
“Unlike Donald Trump, we keep our promises,” Pritzker stated in a recent post. “We will not stand idly by if he decides to send the National Guard to intimidate Chicagoans.”
Pritzker emphasized that any action taken by the federal government will be met with a response from the state.
This statement from Pritzker is the latest development in his ongoing feud with Trump over the potential deployment of troops to Chicago.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker warned he will not stand idly by if President Trump deploys National Guard troops to Chicago. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)
Last week, Pritzker dismissed the notion of a crime emergency in Chicago and accused Trump of trying to create a crisis for political gain.
“The safety of the people of Illinois is always my top priority,” Pritzker affirmed. “There is no emergency that justifies federalizing the Illinois National Guard or deploying active duty military within our borders. We will uphold the law and protect the sovereignty of our state.”
Pritzker condemned the potential deployment as “unconstitutional” and “un-American,” accusing Trump of attempting a dangerous power grab.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, also a Democrat, pointed to data showing a decrease in violent crime in the city over the past year, despite the recent uptick compared to 2021.
President Donald Trump and Illinois Gov. Pritzker exchanged jabs over the potential federal deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago. (AP)
Mayor Johnson criticized the proposed deployment as divisive and potentially harmful to community-police relations.
Trump responded to Pritzker and Johnson’s remarks, calling the governor “incompetent” and labeling the mayor as “no better.”
The President’s push to bolster law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C., has also drawn attention, with federal agents and National Guard troops deployed to the capital city.
President Donald Trump speaks with members of law enforcement and National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)
The unfolding situation between the Trump administration and Illinois leaders underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding law enforcement and federal intervention in local matters.
