President Donald Trump blasted Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday after the Democrat criticized Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., to address the city’s crime surge. Trump previously warned that Chicago could be the next city to see federal law enforcement support from his administration.
“The incompetent Mayor of Chicago just stated that, in DC, where crime has been brought down to almost nothing, there have been no murders in 9 days, something which hasn’t happened in years, and people are safe again, only nine people have been arrested,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “That is wrong, hundreds of criminals have been held, captured, and arrested, and their guns have been taken away. DC IS SAFE AND BOOMING!!!”
Since President Trump deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., on Aug. 7, authorities have arrested 900 people and seized 101 firearms, according to the White House.
On Friday, Johnson released a statement responding to Trump’s threat to send National Guard troops to Chicago to assist local authorities in curbing crime.
“The problem with the President’s approach is that it is uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound,” Johnson’s statement read. “Unlawfully deploying the National Guard to Chicago has the potential to inflame tensions between residents and law enforcement when we know that trust between police and residents is foundational to building safer communities.”
“The National Guard is no substitute for dedicated local law enforcement and community violence interrupters who know and serve our communities every day. There are many things the federal government could do to help us reduce crime and violence in Chicago, but sending in the military is not one of them,” Johnson added.
