Trump Threatens Chicago Occupation in Tuesday's Press Conference, Illinois Governor Pritzker Responds

Chicagoans pack the streets of the West Loop for a rally and march on Labor Day. Photo: Aaron Cynic

In a press conference that was delayed over an hour yesterday, spurring even more rumors about his health, President Donald Trump appeared alongside loyalist Republicans for a “special announcement.” 

Much of his speech was a typical ramble on topics far and wide, though the purpose of the presser seems to have been mainly centered around Space Force and Space Comm and the movement of operations to Alabama. At the beginning of the presser Trump also mentioned a military attack on a Venezuelan boat, killing 11 people, which he called a "drug carrying boat." Lotta drugs on that boat,” he added.

Most concerningly, Trump could not stop talking about Chicago, referring to it as a “hellhole” that was worse than Afghanistan. When asked if he would order the National Guard to the city, Trump said "we're going in," and called Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker “naive,” saying that Pritzker should call and ask him for help.

“Well, we’re going in. I didn’t say when. We’re going in," said Trump, adding he had an “obligation” to do so, despite recent ruling in a California court that his actions in Los Angeles were illegal.

Chicagoans rally on Labor Day to both celebrate the worker's holiday and protest President Trump's desire to send troops to the city. Photo: Aaron Cynic

This, naturally, did not go unnoticed in Chicago, where activists have already been busy organizing emergency protests should the Guard deploy to the city or in Illinois. 

Governor Pritzker wasted no time in his press conference Tuesday, first addressing what he called Trump’s “unhinged” remarks, reiterating that he had not and would not ask for Trump’s alleged "help." He also addressed the feelings of uncertainty and tension that many in Illinois and Chicago are feeling as this illegal deployment looms.  

Pritzker affirmed the normal working relationship with federal agencies like the FBI, Secret Service and ATF, pointing out the cooperation between them as a clear illustration of the lack of coordination and communication present with this request. 

“Chicago does not want troops on her streets” he said.  “I refuse to play a reality game show with Donald Trump again” he added. 

“What I want are the federal dollars that have been promised to Illinois and Chicago for violence prevention programs that have been proven to work. That is money that Illinois taxpayers send to the federal government and it is an insult to any and every citizen to suggest that any governor should have to beg the president of any political party for resources owed their people.”

Photo: Aaron Cynic

The governor went on to inform the public about the staging of military assets at nearby Great Lakes Naval Base, which could be from agencies such as ICE, Customs and Border Control, the Department of Homeland Security and many others. He said he believes the staging began on Monday, September 1, and would likely follow the blueprint from the Los Angeles deployment, and that the targets would likely not be hardened criminals, but immigrants who are here following the law. 

Pritzker went on to express concern that this month was chosen because of Chicago’s Mexican Independence Day celebrations, and reported that he’s been told “ICE will try and disrupt community picnics and peaceful parades.” 

“Let’s be clear. The terror and cruelty is the point. Not the safety of anyone living here.”

Photo: Aaron Cynic

Pritzker also revealed that the Trump administration was already staging the Texas National Guard to be deployed to Chicago to “protect ICE.” Texas Governor Greg Abbott denied this through a spokesperson.

Pritzker said that the Trump administration was looking for any excuse to deploy armed military in Chicago’s streets, and addressed the press directly, stating that as soon as someone so much as “flings a sandwich” it would cause a military response, urging citizens to “not take the bait.”

As we wait to see what will transpire in the next few days here in Chicago, it feels as though most of the city has a shared goal with Mayor Brandon Johnson, who said it clearly in his remarks on Monday at a “Workers Over Billionaires” protest:

“No federal troops in the city of Chicago. No militarized force in the city of Chicago. We’re going to defend our democracy in the city of Chicago. We’re going to protect the humanity of every single person in the city of Chicago.”

More on this story as it develops.