President Donald Trump claimed Chicago residents were chanting “bring in Trump” as a violent weekend roiled downtown Chicago, prompting renewed calls for federal intervention.
He highlighted shootings near Millennium Park during a tree-lighting ceremony in the Loop, saying 300 teens rioted and that a 14-year-old boy was killed with eight others wounded. In a Truth Social post, he wrote: “Massive crime and rioting in the Chicago Loop area. Multiple Police Officers attacked and badly injured. 300 people rioting, 6 victims shot, one critical and one DEAD.” He added: “The people are chanting, BRING IN TRUMP!!!”
Local leaders pushed back. Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed skepticism about inviting federal troops, arguing for local control and coordination with state and federal partners instead of a federal takeover.
The National Guard deployment in the city has been contentious. Hundreds were stationed in recent weeks and then scaled back; roughly 300 Illinois National Guard troops were said to remain in the Chicago area, with DHS noting limits on military roles in civilian policing.
The article notes this is part of a broader, long-running debate over when federal assets should step into urban crime fights and how to balance local versus federal responsibility.
Readers can consult The Independent’s article for the primary source and related coverage across outlets as the debate continues.
The Independent – Trump Chicago troop call
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