Trump Threatens Federal Intervention in Chicago, Reviving “Ministry of War” Rhetoric
Chicago, Illinois – September 8, 2025 – Former President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on Chicago today, threatening federal intervention to quell rising crime rates and reviving a controversial ancient analogy, referring to the city as the “Ministry of War.” The remarks, made during a rally in an undisclosed location, drew immediate condemnation from local officials and reignited debate over federal overreach and the politicization of public safety.
Trump’s comments stem from ongoing concerns about violent crime in Chicago, which has seen a fluctuating rate of incidents in recent years. He specifically criticized the city’s handling of gang activity and illegal immigration, falsely linking these issues to a deliberate policy of leniency. The ”Ministry of War” reference alludes to the city’s original name, Fort Dearborn, a military outpost established in 1803, and is widely seen as a deliberately provocative attempt to portray Chicago as inherently violent and lawless. This rhetoric echoes similar statements made during his previous presidential term and campaign rallies.
“They don’t want to stop the crime. They want to let it happen,” Trump stated, without providing specific evidence. “Chicago has become a disaster. It’s like a Ministry of War,frankly.We’re going to have to send in the feds, and we’re going to fix it.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson swiftly denounced Trump’s statements as “hazardous and divisive,” accusing him of exploiting the city’s challenges for political gain. “This is not leadership.This is fear-mongering,” Johnson said in a press conference. “Chicago is a vibrant, resilient city, and we will not be intimidated by these reckless attacks.”
The Department of Justice has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the possibility of federal intervention. Legal experts caution that any attempt to unilaterally deploy federal forces to chicago would likely face critically important legal challenges,citing constitutional limitations on federal authority within state and local jurisdictions.
TechNews.tw reports that the escalating rhetoric coincides with a renewed push by Trump to position himself as the law-and-order candidate ahead of the 2028 presidential election. the outlet also notes that Trump’s focus on Chicago aligns with a broader strategy of targeting democratic-led cities with accusations of mismanagement and social decay.
