Chicago ‘Probably Next’ in Trump’s National Guard

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Chicago will likely become the next focus of his administration’s efforts to combat crime in major U.S. cities.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stated, “I think Chicago will be our next,” after deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., earlier this week.

He described Chicago as a “mess” and claimed residents are “screaming for us to come,” while also mentioning New York as a potential follow-up target.

The president’s comments come amid his broader push to address crime, homelessness, and illegal immigration in Democrat-led cities.

Trump praised the National Guard’s role in D.C. and suggested he might bring in regular military if needed, saying the effort “won’t even be tough.”

This follows a similar deployment to Los Angeles, which now faces legal challenges over federalizing state guardsmen.

However, crime statistics in Chicago tell a different story.

Shootings and homicides have dropped more than 30% in the first half of 2025 compared to last year, with overall violent crime falling by over 22%.

Trump has long criticized Chicago, once comparing it to Afghanistan and threatening to “send in the feds” back in 2017.

Local leaders quickly pushed back against the president’s plans. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed “grave concerns” about any unlawful National Guard deployment, calling it “uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.”

He emphasized building trust between police and residents through community investments like housing and education, and noted no formal communication from the administration.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker labeled the move an “authoritarian power grab,” arguing that people aren’t asking for federal troops and urging Trump to address issues like affordable groceries instead.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin dismissed it as “political theater,” while Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said Trump’s “political circus isn’t welcome here.”

Community advocate Pastor Donovan Price warned that federal intervention could inflame tensions and called for staying out of the city.

Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., echoed the sentiment by suggesting actions in other cities like Portland and Seattle, blaming Democrats for high murder rates.

As the administration eyes expansion, critics argue it risks escalating urban conflicts rather than solving them.

The White House has not provided further details on timelines or specifics for Chicago.