Pritzker Deems Trump‘s ‘Chipocalypse Now’ Post ‘Not Normal’ as Federal-State Tensions Escalate
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Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker publicly rebuked President Trump on September 6, 2025, characterizing Trump’s social media post alluding to Chicago as “Chipocalypse Now” as not normal
. the governor’s statement comes as anxieties mount over the potential for federal deployment of troops to Illinois, mirroring actions taken in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., under the guise of restoring law and order. This dispute centers on the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which generally prohibits the use of the U.S. military for domestic law enforcement purposes.
The escalating tension stems from Trump’s repeated attacks on Chicago, labeling it a hellhole
due to crime rates, despite data indicating a recent reduction in violent crimes. Pritzker fears Trump is leveraging these deployments – including the use of the National Guard and active-duty Marines in los Angeles following protests against ICE, and the federalization of law enforcement in Washington, D.C. – to create a law-and-order
narrative ahead of next year’s midterm elections. The governor is preparing a legal challenge should federal troops be sent to illinois.
Legal Battles and the Posse Comitatus Act
A federal court judge in San francisco initially ruled Trump’s deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles,over the objections of California Governor Gavin Newsom,as unconstitutional. However, an appellate court temporarily lifted that order on September 5, 2025, citing the need for further deliberation. Pritzker is placing initial hope in the ruling by U.S. District judge Charles breyer, brother of former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who determined the deployment violated the Posse Comitatus Act.
Pritzker acknowledged the fragility of relying on Breyer’s ruling, stating That’s all we have, though…if the courts don’t enforce [the Posse Comitatus Act]…then we’re then at the whims of a fighting force that they’re planning to send here.
He emphasized the importance of public vigilance and documentation.
Call for Public Documentation and Peaceful Protest
To bolster any potential legal challenge in Illinois, Pritzker has urged residents to pull out their iPhone or their android phone and film what they’re seeing
to provide evidence of any National Guard actions that might overstep legal boundaries. He specifically requested citizens document any incident that allows us
to present a case in court.
The governor also appealed to those planning protests to remain peaceful,stating,we’re asking them to be peaceful in that protest,to make sure that they’re making their voices heard…but that they stay out of the way of these ICE officials.
He expressed concern over the lack of interaction from the federal government regarding potential deployments,calling it a frightening development in the history of the country.
Pritzker reiterated his commitment to transparency, stating he has shared all information received wiht the public, despite the fact that (the) federal government would like them not to know, apparently.
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Key Dates and Actions
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 2025 | National Guard & Marines deployed to Los Angeles |
| August 2025 | Federal law enforcement federalized in Washington, D.C. |
| September 2, 2025 | Trump reiterates “hellhole” label for Chicago |
| September 2, 2025 | San Francisco judge rules LA deployment unconstitutional |
| September 5, 2025 | Appellate court lifts San Francisco ruling |
| September 6, 2025 | Pritzker criticizes Trump’s “Chipocalypse Now” post |
Did You Know?
The Posse comitatus Act of 1878 was originally enacted to limit the power of the federal government to use the military to suppress domestic unrest, notably in the aftermath of Reconstruction.
Pro Tip:
Documenting any interactions with federal or National guard personnel – including date, time, location, and a brief description of the event – can be crucial evidence in a potential legal challenge.
Tribune reporter AD Quig contributed.
President Trump has repeatedly attacked Chicago as a “hellhole” over crime, despite statistics showing violent crimes have been reduced in recent years. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/27/national-guard-chicago-crime/
What steps do you think the state of Illinois should take to prepare for a potential federal troop deployment? do you believe President Trump’s rhetoric is intentionally divisive, and if so, what are the potential consequences?
Background: Federal-State Power Dynamics
The relationship between the federal government and state governments regarding the deployment of military forces is a long-standing point of contention in American history. the Posse Comitatus Act,while generally prohibiting military involvement in domestic law enforcement,contains exceptions,particularly in cases of insurrection or when specifically authorized by Congress. Recent administrations have increasingly tested the boundaries of this act, leading to legal challenges and heightened tensions.The current situation with illinois reflects a broader trend of escalating conflict between the federal government and states over issues of immigration, law enforcement, and political control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Posse Comitatus Act?
The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 is a federal law that generally prohibits the use of the U.S.military to enforce domestic laws. It aims to limit the involvement of the military in civilian law enforcement.
Why is governor Pritzker concerned about federal troop deployments?
Governor Pritzker fears that President Trump may deploy federal troops to Illinois, similar to actions taken in Los angeles and Washington, D.C., perhaps violating the Posse Comitatus Act and infringing on state sovereignty.
What is Pritzker asking Illinois residents to do?
Governor Pritzker is urging residents to document any interactions with National Guard or federal personnel using their smartphones to provide evidence for potential legal challenges.
What was the initial court ruling regarding the Los Angeles deployment?
A federal court judge in San Francisco initially ruled that President Trump’s deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles was unconstitutional, but that ruling was temporarily lifted by an appellate court.
What is the significance of Judge Charles Breyer’s ruling?
Judge Breyer’s ruling found that the deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles violated the Posse Comitatus Act, providing a potential legal precedent for Illinois’s challenge.