Pritzker Warns Trump Against Deploying National Guard to Chicago
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) sharply condemned President Donald Trump’s threats to send National Guard troops to Chicago on Monday. Surrounded by Democratic lawmakers and community leaders, including Senator Tammy Duckworth and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Pritzker said, “Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. You are neither wanted here nor needed here.”
Federal Intervention Sparks Pushback
Pritzker’s remarks follow a Washington Post report revealing that the Pentagon has been preparing to deploy troops to Chicago for weeks. Last Friday, Trump suggested Chicago might be the next city to see federal intervention after sending the National Guard to Washington, D.C., citing a supposed crackdown on crime.

Both Pritzker and Mayor Johnson emphasized that Chicago never requested federal assistance. “We have made no requests for federal intervention. None,” Pritzker stressed, pointing out that crime in Chicago has dropped significantly compared to last year.
Crime Rates Actually Declining
Data from the city and police department shows overall violent crime in Chicago has fallen roughly 22% from 2024 levels. Homicides, robberies, and other incidents have all decreased noticeably.