Key Takeaways

• Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker criticized President Trump’s proposal to deploy National Guard troops in response to crime and homelessness.
• Baltimore officials reported significant crime reductions and invited Trump to discuss public safety strategies amid his comments on deploying troops.
• Trump’s response to these criticisms included threats to withhold federal funds for local projects, intensifying the political tensions around crime solutions.

Political Responses to National Guard Deployment Proposal

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker publicly addressed President Donald Trump’s suggestion to send National Guard troops to address issues related to crime, homelessness, and immigration in major cities, including Chicago and Baltimore. This announcement followed reports that Trump’s administration had been planning a military intervention.

On August 11, Trump indicated his intention to deploy National Guard troops to various cities, suggesting a coordinated federal response to what he termed an “epidemic of crime.” However, Johnson emphasized that Chicago had not received any formal communication on proposed deployments. He criticized Trump’s approach as “uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound,” warning that such actions could exacerbate tensions between communities and law enforcement—elements essential for developing safer neighborhoods.

Pritzker echoed these sentiments, accusing Trump of “manufacturing a crisis” while affirming Illinois’s commitment to uphold the state’s sovereignty and protect its citizens.

Recent reports illustrate a decline in violent crime rates in Chicago, with notable reductions in murders and non-fatal shootings. Data from the University of Chicago Crime Lab indicates that, while crime remains elevated compared to the five-year average, the city experienced improvements throughout 2025. Between the first halves of 2019 and 2025, violent crime rates decreased, with a 22% reduction in homicides and a 19% drop in non-fatal shootings reported in Baltimore.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Governor Wes Moore responded vigorously to Trump’s suggestions, underscoring the city’s current trajectory towards greater public safety. Scott highlighted Baltimore’s safety improvements in a post on X (formerly Twitter). In a formal letter addressed to Trump, Moore invited him to partake in a public safety event in Baltimore and outlined the significant progress made in reducing crime, indicating the city was on track for its lowest homicide rate since starting official crime statistics.

In response to Moore’s invitation, Trump disparaged Baltimore, labeling it as a “crime-ridden disaster” and challenged Moore to take responsibility for local security before inviting him to visit. Trump went further to indicate a willingness to send troops if necessary, simultaneously threatening to “rethink” federal funding intended for local projects such as the Francis Scott Key Bridge reconstruction.

Both cities’ leaders demand a federal commitment to restore funding for community violence prevention programs, regulate the use of ghost guns, and increase resources for federal law enforcement agencies operating within their jurisdictions. This ongoing dialogue highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between local leaders and the federal government regarding crime management and public safety strategies.

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