Illinois Gov. Pritzker Defies Trump’s Threat to Deploy Troops to Chicago

President Donald Trump, left, speaks during the daily briefing on Monday; Gov. J.B. Pritzker, right, speaks at the Thompson Center on March 30, 2020. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

CHICAGO, Aug. 25, 2025 — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker sharply rebuked President Donald Trump’s threat to send National Guard troops to Chicago, labeling it an “authoritarian power grab” lacking any emergency justification. The governor’s comments, made during a press conference at the State Capitol, come in response to Trump’s statement on X that he would deploy federal forces to address what he called “out-of-control crime” in the city.

Pritzker emphasized that Chicago’s crime rates, while a concern, do not warrant federal intervention. “There is no emergency here that justifies this kind of overreach,” he said, citing data showing a 12% decrease in violent crime in Chicago compared to last year. The governor accused Trump of using the threat as a political stunt to distract from stalled domestic policy initiatives. “This is about control, not safety,” Pritzker added.

Trump’s remarks followed a weekend of violence in Chicago, where 18 shootings were reported, including four fatalities. The president claimed on X that “Chicago needs strong leadership, and if the governor and mayor won’t act, I will.” He pointed to his administration’s past use of federal forces in cities like Portland during civil unrest in 2020 as a precedent.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed Pritzker’s stance, calling the threat “unacceptable” and pledging to resist any federal deployment. “We’re addressing crime through community investment and local law enforcement, not military tactics,” Johnson said. The mayor highlighted recent investments in youth programs and mental health services as part of the city’s strategy to reduce violence.

Legal experts question the legality of Trump’s proposed action, noting that deploying the National Guard without a governor’s request requires a clear national emergency under the Insurrection Act. University of Chicago law professor Aziz Huq stated, “This move would likely face immediate court challenges, as it bypasses state authority.”

The dispute has heightened tensions between Illinois’ Democratic leadership and the Trump administration. Pritzker vowed to protect Chicago’s autonomy, stating, “We will not allow this president to turn our streets into a battleground for his political games.” Meanwhile, Trump’s supporters on X have rallied behind his call for federal intervention, arguing that local leaders have failed to curb violence.

The situation remains fluid, with no immediate plans for troop deployment confirmed. However, the standoff underscores ongoing debates over federal versus state authority in addressing urban crime.