Trump Deploys 300 National Guard Troops to Chicago Amid Ongoing Protests

Trump Deploys National Guard to Chicago Amid Protests In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would be deploying 300 National Guard troops to Illinois, with the majority of them being sent to Chicago. The deployment comes amidst ongoing protests against police brutality and systemic racism in the city. According to Gov. JB Pritzker (D-Ill.), who was informed by Department of Defense officials that they would deploy the troops regardless of his approval, Trump's decision is not about public safety but rather about exerting control over the situation. "This has never been about safety," Pritzker said in a statement. "This is about control." The deployment is part of a larger trend of Trump using military force to quell protests and maintain order in cities across the country. In recent weeks, Trump has made baseless claims that protesters are being paid to demonstrate against police brutality, with some even accusing him of inciting violence. Pritzker added that the troops will be pulled from their regular jobs and away from their families, only to participate in a "manufactured performance" rather than a genuine effort to protect public safety. The deployment has been met with criticism from civil rights groups and local leaders, who argue that it is an overreach of executive power. The decision to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago comes as the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of police brutality protests. In recent weeks, thousands have taken to the streets to demand justice for George Floyd and other victims of police violence. Trump's move has sparked concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the potential for further militarization of law enforcement. "This is a disturbing trend that we're seeing from this administration," said ACLU Illinois Executive Director Ed Yohnka. "We urge Gov. Pritzker to stand firm against this overreach of executive power." As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the deployment will impact the city and its residents. The Chicago City Council has scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday to discuss the deployment and potential next steps. Background: The deployment of National Guard troops to Illinois is part of a larger trend of Trump using military force to quell protests and maintain order in cities across the country. In recent weeks, Trump has made baseless claims that protesters are being paid to demonstrate against police brutality, with some even accusing him of inciting violence. Additional Perspectives: Critics argue that the deployment is an overreach of executive power and a threat to civil liberties. "This is a disturbing trend that we're seeing from this administration," said ACLU Illinois Executive Director Ed Yohnka. "We urge Gov. Pritzker to stand firm against this overreach of executive power." Current Status: The deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago has sparked widespread criticism and concern about the erosion of civil liberties. The situation remains fluid, with local leaders and civil rights groups urging caution and restraint. Next Developments: As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the deployment will impact the city and its residents. The Chicago City Council is scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss the deployment and potential next steps. *Reporting by Motherjones.*