Trump backs off Chicago National Guard threats
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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at a press conference on Sept. 3. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images
Chicago leaders are doing a victory lap on Friday after standing up to President Trump, who announced he's sending federal troops to fight crime in Memphis instead.
Why it matters: Chicago's pushback on Trump's troop threat could be a model for other cities.
What they're saying: "It's disturbing that the President is hellbent on sending troops onto America's streets," Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said on social media about the Memphis deployment. "Using those who serve in uniform as political props is insulting. None of this is normal."
- "Because of the unified opposition from community leaders and elected officials in Chicago and throughout the state, the Trump administration backed down from its threats of sending in the National Guard to Chicago," Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement. "We continue to call on the federal government to send additional resources, but we reject any military occupation of our city."
Flashback: Trump first floated the idea of deploying the National Guard to Chicago in late August and continued to bash the city over crime, calling it a "disaster" and a "hellhole."
Reality check: Chicago has seen a nearly 30% reduction in homicides and a 38% reduction in shootings since last year, according to Chicago police data.
Yes, but: Pritzker shot back, questioning the president's authority to send the National Guard to Illinois over his objections. He also threatened to sue the administration and held several press conferences and national media appearances to challenge the president.
- "We don't need or want you here, Donald," the governor wrote.
Zoom out: It's been less than a week since Trump posted "Chicago about to find out why it's called the Department of WAR" on social media.
- By midweek, he had balked on his threats against Illinois' biggest city, saying instead he wanted to fight crime in a city that wanted his help.
The big picture: The Department of Homeland Security just launched "Operation Midway Blitz" in Chicago, ramping up U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.
- Pritzker and Johnson have opposed those raids and have pointed to state and city laws that prevent local law enforcement from assisting ICE.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
