Pentagon Plans to Deploy Military Forces in Chicago

The Pentagon is working on plans to deploy military forces in Chicago as part of former President Donald Trump’s push to combat crime, homelessness, and illegal immigration, according to a report by the Washington Post citing informed officials.

The plans, under discussion for several weeks, include options such as mobilizing at least several thousand National Guard troops starting in September.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump described Chicago as being in chaos and suggested that federal intervention would likely happen soon. He also issued sharp criticism of the city’s mayor while intensifying attacks on Democrat-led cities.

In a statement late Saturday, the Pentagon declined to confirm the reported plans, saying it does not speculate on potential operations but noted that the Department of Defense regularly works with partner agencies to develop strategies for protecting federal assets and personnel.

Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker, a Democrat, responded that the state had not received any communication from the federal government about the need for assistance. He emphasised that there is no emergency requiring National Guard or military deployment, accusing Trump of fabricating a crisis and politicising the military for his own agenda.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office expressed concern about the potential consequences of any unlawful deployment of the National Guard. 

A spokesman noted that crime rates in Chicago had already dropped significantly last year, with homicides down by more than 30 percent, robberies by 35 percent, and shootings by nearly 40 percent.

Meanwhile, several Republican governors announced last week that they would send hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., at Trump’s request.

Trump has repeatedly depicted the capital as a city overwhelmed by crime, despite Justice Department data showing that violent crime rates there fell to their lowest levels in three decades last year.