Bold Move Aims to Restore Order, Despite Pushback from Local Democrats

August 24, 2025

CHICAGO — In a decisive step to address rampant crime in one of America’s largest cities, President Donald Trump announced Friday that he will deploy the National Guard to Chicago, signaling a no-nonsense approach to restoring law and order. The move follows his successful deployment of nearly 2,000 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., where violent crime rates plummeted, bolstering Trump’s case for federal intervention in struggling urban centers.

From the White House, Trump described Chicago as a city “out of control” and took aim at Mayor Brandon Johnson, labeling him “incompetent” for failing to curb crime. “The people of Chicago, especially in the toughest neighborhoods, are begging for help,” Trump said, citing concerns from residents about ongoing violence. He pointed to the recent Washington, D.C., operation as a model, vowing to “clean up Chicago” and hinting that New York City could be next.

While Chicago’s Democratic leadership, including Mayor Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, quickly criticized the plan as “unnecessary” and “unlawful,” supporters argue that local officials have been too soft on crime. Johnson claimed violent crime has dropped significantly in 2025, citing a 30% decrease in homicides and 35% in robberies. However, critics note that Chicago’s crime rates remain among the highest in the nation, with certain neighborhoods still plagued by shootings and gang activity.

“President Trump is doing what weak local leaders won’t—taking action to protect citizens,” said a White House official, speaking anonymously to Reuters. The administration has been planning the Chicago deployment for weeks, with discussions involving National Guard units from conservative-led states and possibly active-duty troops, similar to Trump’s June deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to address immigration protests.

Illinois Democrats have decried the move as a political stunt, with Pritzker accusing Trump of “stoking fear” to distract from other issues. “Chicago doesn’t need soldiers on our streets,” Pritzker said in a post on X, touting community programs that he claims are driving down crime. Yet, many Chicagoans, particularly in high-crime areas, express frustration with local leadership’s inability to deliver lasting safety, fueling support for federal intervention.

Legal questions surround the deployment, with critics citing the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which limits military involvement in domestic law enforcement. However, Trump’s supporters argue that extraordinary circumstances, like Chicago’s persistent crime problem, justify bold measures. “The president has the authority to protect American cities when local governments fail,” said a source close to the administration.

Crime data shows some improvement in Chicago, with police reporting declines in violent crime in 2025. But conservatives argue these numbers mask the reality of dangerous neighborhoods where residents live in fear. “Community programs are fine, but they don’t stop bullets,” said a Chicago resident in a post on X, echoing sentiments of those who welcome Trump’s plan.

The White House has not released details on the number of troops or the timeline for deployment. A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment, stating only that the Department of Defense is coordinating with federal partners to ensure public safety.

As Chicago prepares for the National Guard’s arrival, the city remains divided. Local Democrats vow to resist, with Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton calling the move an “ego trip.” But for many fed-up residents, Trump’s intervention represents a long-overdue effort to restore safety. “Chicago deserves better than excuses,” said a local business owner on X. “If the mayor can’t fix it, maybe Trump can.”

The deployment underscores Trump’s commitment to law and order, even as critics accuse him of overreaching. With tensions rising, Chicago could become a defining test of his administration’s approach to urban crime.