Gov. JB Pritzker says President Donald Trump is ‘losing it’ after latest Chicago National Guard threat – Chicago Tribune

Key Takeaways:

• President Trump threatened to deploy the National Guard to Chicago.
• Gov. JB Pritzker criticized the threat, calling the President “losing it.”
• Memphis leaders confirmed Guard deployment after watching Trump’s TV comments.
• Multiple outlets, including NBC 5 Chicago and BBC, covered the developments.

The National Guard Threat

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is pushing back against President Donald Trump’s recent pledge to deploy the National Guard to Chicago. In a news story covered by the Chicago Tribune, Pritzker remarked that Trump is “losing it” over what he views as a potential escalation in federal intervention. Pritzker also described the President’s announcement regarding Chicago as “hard to believe,” echoing the sentiment that such measures present significant federal overreach into state affairs.

Federal Move to Memphis

While controversy unfolds in Chicago, Trump has also ordered the National Guard and additional federal law enforcement to Memphis. The Commercial Appeal reported that local officials were not fully informed prior to the announcement. According to the Memphis mayor—cited by AP News—confirmation of the deployment came from Trump’s televised comments, leaving some municipal leaders to first learn of the decision by watching the President address the nation.

Reactions and Uncertainties

Critics in both Chicago and Memphis note the potential for confusion when federal plans are not communicated clearly to local officials. Gov. Pritzker has not shied away from publicly criticizing Trump, describing his approach as lacking clear consultation with state and city leaders. As reported by NBC 5 Chicago, the governor’s stance underscores a mounting concern over the balance of power between federal authority and local governance.

Broader Crime Crackdown

According to BBC coverage, federal deployments to Memphis are part of a broader White House effort to crack down on crime in urban centers across the country. Although Trump’s supporters argue that added manpower helps address violence, local authorities maintain that direct federal intervention often raises questions about jurisdiction, resources, and the long-term impact on community relations.

Ongoing Tensions

Gov. Pritzker’s direct criticism of President Trump highlights the friction between state leaders and the White House. As Trump continues to mention potential uses of federal law enforcement in major U.S. cities, officials like Pritzker remain skeptical. For now, both Chicago and Memphis serve as focal points of a debate that is likely to continue, pitting federal initiatives against calls for local strategy and autonomy.