Trump Hints at Chicago Takeover After Federal Control of Washington Police

After asserting federal authority over Washington DC’s police earlier this month, US President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested he may move next against Chicago, citing rising crime and Democratic leaders’ inaction.

In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote: “Governor Pritzker had 6 murders in Chicago this weekend. 20 people were shot. But he doesn’t want to ask me for help. Can this be possible? The people are desperate for me to STOP THE CRIME, something the Democrats aren’t capable of doing. STAY TUNED!!! President DJT.”

The comments follow Trump’s earlier warning that Chicago could be “straightened out” after Washington. “Chicago’s a mess. You have an incompetent mayor. Grossly incompetent. And we’ll straighten that one out probably next. That’ll be our next one after this. And it won’t even be tough,” he said last week.

Trump’s broader campaign to crack down on crime, immigration, and homelessness has already seen the deployment of the National Guard in Washington. Officials say similar mobilisations involving “a few thousand” troops could follow in other cities as early as September.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has rejected Trump’s threats, arguing the president lacks legal authority to send federal forces into the state. He and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson are coordinating closely, while state Attorney General Kwame Raoul is reportedly preparing legal action if federal troops are deployed.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said city officers would not work with federal law enforcement but would also not obstruct them. “We know people are living in fear,” he said. “Working with ICE does nothing to help those relationships — it hurts. We’re not going to ask for anyone’s immigration status. We’re going to continue to stand up for the people in our city to make sure that they’re safe.”