President Donald Trump announced plans to address violent crime in Chicago during a recent press conference in the Oval Office. He praised federal agents for their success in tackling crime in Washington, D.C., and indicated that Chicago would be his next target for similar efforts.
Trump criticized Chicago’s leadership, calling the mayor “grossly incompetent,” and expressed confidence in his ability to improve the situation. He stated, “It won’t even be tough,” suggesting that he believes federal intervention could quickly make a difference in the city.
While Trump highlighted the need for action in Chicago, he also mentioned that after addressing issues there, he would consider moving federal resources to New York City. He claimed that many residents in Chicago are eager for help, citing support from African American women who he says have reached out to him for assistance.
Despite a reported decrease in homicides in Chicago, the city still struggles with high levels of violence. In 2023, Chicago recorded 617 homicides, down from 715 the previous year, but still higher than in New York City and Los Angeles. Recent weekends have seen significant gun violence, with dozens of people shot in just a few days.
Local leaders in Chicago, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, responded critically to Trump’s comments. Johnson described the idea of sending troops to the city as “uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.” He argued that such actions could worsen relations between the community and law enforcement, which he believes are vital for building safer neighborhoods. Johnson pointed to recent drops in crime rates, claiming reductions in homicides, robberies, and shootings over the past year.
Federal and local law enforcement have made over 700 arrests in Washington, D.C., since Trump deployed federal agents there. This has led to a notable decline in violent incidents, including a stretch of eight days without any murders reported in the capital.
However, deploying the National Guard to Chicago could be legally complicated. Trump would likely need to bypass Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, similar to his recent actions in Los Angeles, which are currently facing legal challenges. The situation continues to evolve as discussions about crime and public safety dominate the political landscape.
