Trump calls Chicago a "death trap," says "Pritzker is nothing"
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
President Trump speaks to members of the media as he departs the White House Tuesday morning. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
In a fit of whiplash, President Donald Trump has Chicago back in his sights, threatening to "go in early" to fight crime in the nation's third-largest city.
Why it matters: Trump seemingly backed down last week in the face of local opposition, shifting his attention to Memphis, where Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) welcomed federal assistance.
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson have steadfastly opposed any attempt to send the National Guard to Chicago.
What they're saying: "Chicago is a death trap. I'm going to go to Chicago early against Pritzker. Pritzker is nothing," Trump said Tuesday.
- Pritzker, who is rumored to be a Democratic candidate for president in 2028, has pushed back against Trump, posting on social media that "using those who serve in uniform as political props is insulting."
The big picture: The president has once again ramped up his rhetoric against Chicago, which he referred to in the past as a "hellhole" and a "disaster."
Reality check: Chicago has long had a violent crime problem, but it has seen a nearly 30% reduction in homicides and a 38% reduction in shootings since last year, according to Chicago police data.
The other side: "The President is unstable. He's a double-minded individual," Johnson said at a Tuesday press conference. "Chicago has a long history of remaining firm and strong when it comes to protecting the civil liberties of people, and I will do that."
Yes, but: That didn't age well. The president said Monday Chicago is back on the table after speaking to a "very high quality" businessman who implored the president to "save Chicago."
- "We're going to wait a little while but we're going to save Chicago," Trump said. "We can't let it go."
The intrigue: By law, the military is barred from performing most law enforcement functions on American soil. However, the National Guard can be used to protect federal property or agents.
- A federal judge ruled recently that the Trump administration's deployment of troops for law enforcement around anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles was illegal.
What we're watching: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials announced Tuesday morning more ICE raids in the Chicago area, expanding "Operation Midway Blitz."
- Pritzker and Johnson have called for a "transparent" investigation of a fatal shooting involving an ICE officer last Friday in suburban Franklin Park. The agency says the suspect was resisting arrest.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional comment from Mayor Brandon Johnson.
