Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s renewed vow to send the National Guard to Chicago, suggesting the president may be “losing it.” After a month of repeated back-and-forth threats, the governor’s remarks reflect a deepening political rift over federal involvement in local matters.
Gov. JB Pritzker says President Donald Trump is ‘losing it’ after latest Chicago National Guard threat

Key Takeaways:
- Gov. JB Pritzker called President Trump’s vow to deploy the National Guard to Chicago a sign of “dementia.”
- These threats have been ongoing for about a month.
- Tensions highlight differing views on federal vs. state authority in law enforcement.
- The article was reported by the Chicago Tribune.
- This dispute underscores a broader debate on national intervention in local issues.
Context of the Conflict
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has openly criticized President Donald Trump’s latest pledge to send the National Guard into Chicago, describing it as a sign that the president may be “losing it.” According to the Chicago Tribune, these remarks follow a series of similar threats by the president over the past month.
Month-Long Escalation
For weeks, President Trump has mentioned the possibility of dispatching federal forces to confront issues he deems urgent in Chicago. While these threats have fluctuated in intensity, they have not subsided, prompting the governor to respond with uncharacteristically blunt language.
Governor’s Response
In a candid move, Gov. Pritzker labeled the president’s insistence on using the National Guard as a potential “dementia” issue. He further suggested that President Trump’s fixation on Chicago indicates a deeper political dispute rather than a straightforward plan to improve public safety.
A Look at the Bigger Picture
This standoff between state and federal authorities is not new. It highlights ongoing disagreements over how much power the federal government should wield in local governance. With Chicago at the center of the debate, the conflict may foreshadow future tensions in other jurisdictions.
Where It Stands Now
As reported by the Chicago Tribune, the governor’s remarks reflect his growing frustration with the White House’s repeated signals of intervention. Whether the National Guard will actually be deployed remains uncertain, but the exchange signals a deep divide in how local and federal leaders foresee addressing complex issues in major cities.