Trump Suggests Military Training in Democrat-Led Cities, Including Chicago, Sparks Outcry
CHICAGO – Former President Donald Trump has indicated he is considering using cities led by Democratic officials, including Chicago, as locations for military training exercises, prompting swift condemnation from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Trump stated troops coudl be deployed “very soon,” according to reports surfacing Tuesday.
The potential deployment stems from Trump’s criticism of local authorities’ handling of immigration enforcement and protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.While the specific purpose of the training remains unclear, the move has ignited concerns about the potential for federal overreach and the militarization of urban areas.
Governor Pritzker has been a vocal opponent of any federal intervention, urging Trump for weeks not to “intercede” in the city. He went further, suggesting the 25th Amendment should be invoked to remove Trump from office, citing concerns about the former president’s mental health and comparing his tactics to those of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Not only has dementia set in, but he’s copying tactics of [Russian president] Vladimir Putin, sending troops into cities, thinking that that’s some sort of proving ground for war, or that, indeed, there’s some sort of internal war going on in the United States,” Pritzker said at a South Side news conference. “It’s just, frankly, inane, and I’m concerned for his health.”
Pritzker affirmed the state’s readiness to legally challenge any troop deployment. “What we can do when it comes to troops being sent into Chicago and to the state of Illinois is immediately go to court. We’re prepared to do that,” he stated. “Believe me when I tell you that the law is on our side when it comes to keeping troops out of the city and out of the state.”
Mayor Johnson echoed Pritzker’s sentiments, rejecting the idea of Chicago becoming “a playground for his militarized obsession.” He characterized Trump’s behavior as “unprecedented” and “outside of the bounds of the Constitution,” emphasizing the need to protect residents.
According to a memo obtained by the Illinois National Guard and shared by Pritzker on Monday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requested 100 military personnel from the Defense Department for deployment to Illinois. This request mirrors a similar call-up of 200 Oregon National Guard members for a 60-day deployment, as reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting. As of Tuesday, state officials reported no updates on a pending deployment.
Pritzker accused Trump of targeting political opponents, labeling them “domestic enemies,” and suggested the deployments are an attempt to suppress voter turnout in the 2026 midterm elections.
Illinois Republicans, however, have offered a different perspective. state House Republican leader Tony McCombie stated, “We stand firmly with law enforcement and public servants who face heightened risk every single day,” adding, “We will continue to defend the rule of law and the principle that no one should ever be targeted for carrying out their duty.” the party has even launched fundraising merchandise related to ICE deployments in Chicago.
