Pritzker Vows Response if Trump Deploys National Guard to Chicago
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has made it clear that the state will not passively accept President Donald Trump’s threats to send the National Guard to Chicago in response to crime concerns.
In a post on X, Pritzker stated, “Unlike Donald Trump, we keep our promises. We will not stand idly by if he decides to send the National Guard to intimidate Chicagoans.” He added, “Any action will be met with a response.”
These remarks reflect the ongoing tension between Pritzker and Trump as discussions persist regarding the potential deployment of federal troops to the city. Pritzker contended last week that there is no crime crisis in Chicago, accusing Trump of trying to "manufacture a crisis" to distract from issues affecting working families.
“The safety of the people of Illinois is always my top priority,” he said on Saturday. He emphasized that there is no justification for federalizing the National Guard or sending active-duty military into Illinois, vowing to uphold state sovereignty and protect residents.
On Monday, Pritzker also labeled the proposed federal action as “unconstitutional” and “un-American,” asserting, “Donald Trump wants to use the military to occupy a US city, punish its dissenters and gain political advantages.” He likened such a move to a dangerous power grab that would typically be condemned if it occurred in another nation.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a fellow Democrat, has referenced statistics indicating a decline in violent crime over the past year, with homicides and robberies down by more than 30% and shootings nearly 40% lower.
Despite this positive trend, Chicago police data reveal that crime levels are still elevated compared to 2021. Mayor Johnson criticized the President’s response as chaotic and unnecessary, cautioning that deploying the National Guard could escalate tensions between residents and police, which undermines community safety.
“When we fight back against tyranny, the people united will always prevail,” Johnson remarked.
Other officials in Illinois have expressed their concerns about the potential military presence in Chicago. Trump responded to Pritzker and Johnson on Tuesday, calling Pritzker “incompetent” and dismissing Johnson in a similar manner.
On Truth Social, Trump remarked on a violent weekend in Chicago, stating, “6 DEAD, 27 HURT IN CRIME SPREES ALL OVER THE CITY. Panic-stricken Governor Pritzker says that crime is under control, when in fact it is just the opposite. He is an incompetent Governor who should call me for HELP. Mayor Johnson is no better. Make Chicago Great Again!”
This controversy follows Trump’s recent effort to enhance federal law enforcement visibility in Washington, DC, amid rising crime rates. Hundreds of federal agents and National Guard personnel have been deployed in the nation’s capital as part of this strategy.
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