Trump's National Guard Threat to Chicago Sparks Power Grab Fears from Illinois Governor Pritzker

Trump's Threats to Send National Guard to Chicago Spark Power Grab Allegations President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to send National Guard troops to Chicago to combat crime, but Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker sees the move as a power grab ahead of the 2026 Congressional elections. According to reports, for weeks Trump has been making public statements about deploying troops to Chicago, citing rising crime rates and gang violence in the city. However, Pritzker disputes Trump's claims, arguing that the President lacks the legal authority to deploy troops without his request. "We have a governor who is elected by the people of Illinois, and we have a president who is trying to undermine that authority," Pritzker told NPR on Tuesday during a tour of the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago. "This is not about public safety; this is about politics." Trump's repeated threats to send troops to Chicago have sparked concerns among lawmakers and civil rights groups, with some accusing him of attempting to set a precedent for military intervention in domestic affairs. "This is a power grab by the president, plain and simple," said Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), who represents Chicago in Congress. "He's trying to use the National Guard as a tool to exert his authority over local law enforcement." However, Trump's supporters argue that he has the right to take action to address rising crime rates in Chicago. "The people of Illinois deserve safe streets and communities," said White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany. "The president is committed to working with Governor Pritzker to find solutions to this crisis." Despite the controversy surrounding Trump's threats, the Department of Homeland Security announced on Monday a new operation aimed at rounding up individuals without legal status in the United States. Meanwhile, Pritzker has called for greater cooperation between federal and state authorities to address crime in Chicago, rather than relying on military intervention. "We need to work together to find solutions that are effective and constitutional," Pritzker said. "This is not about politics; this is about public safety." The situation remains uncertain, with Trump's next move yet to be determined. However, one thing is clear: the debate over the role of the National Guard in domestic affairs has sparked a heated discussion among lawmakers and civil rights groups. Background: The threat of deploying troops to Chicago has been ongoing for weeks, with Trump repeatedly making public statements about taking action to address rising crime rates in the city. Pritzker has consistently pushed back against these claims, arguing that Trump lacks the legal authority to deploy troops without his request. Additional perspectives: Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) said that while he understands concerns about Trump's threats, "we need to be careful not to politicize public safety." Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has called for greater cooperation between federal and local authorities to address crime in the city. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has expressed concerns about the potential for military intervention in domestic affairs. Current status: The situation remains uncertain, with Trump's next move yet to be determined. However, one thing is clear: the debate over the role of the National Guard in domestic affairs has sparked a heated discussion among lawmakers and civil rights groups. *Reporting by Npr.*