JB Pritzker accuses Trump of trying to 'manufacture a crisis' over plans to deploy National Guard in Chicago

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker accused President Donald Trump of “attempting to manufacture a crisis” following reports that the federal government may deploy National Guard troops to Chicago to combat crime.

"The State of Illinois at this time has received no requests or outreach from the federal government asking if we need assistance, and we have made no requests for federal intervention," Pritzker said in a statement Saturday. 

The Trump administration, after seeing success in deploying National Guard members to Washington, DC, announced it will mobilize 1,700 troops across 19 states to deter crime and assist local law enforcement. While Illinois was not included in the initial deployments, Trump suggested Friday that Chicago could be next. The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon has been planning a possible deployment to Chicago, potentially involving several thousand troops next month.

Pritzker pushed back strongly against the idea.

"The safety of the people of Illinois is always my top priority. There is no emergency that warrants the President of the United States federalizing the Illinois National Guard, deploying the National Guard from other states, or sending active-duty military within our own borders,” he added in his statement. "Donald Trump is attempting to manufacture a crisis, politicize Americans who serve in uniform, and continue abusing his power to distract from the pain he is causing working families. We will continue to follow the law, stand up for the sovereignty of our state, and protect the people of Illinois.”

Pritzker, considered a potential Democratic contender for the presidency in 2028, also took to X to criticize Trump and Republicans for branding themselves as the party of “law and order.” He further called the president’s efforts to lower crime “an authoritarian power grab of major cities.”