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President Donald Trump on Sunday renewed his call for federal involvement in Chicago’s fight against violent crime, questioning why Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker has not requested assistance from his administration following a deadly weekend in the city.
In a Truth Social post, the president claimed he could dramatically improve public safety in Chicago if state leaders sought federal support, arguing that the city could become one of the safest in America within a short period.
“Lots of Killing going on in Chicago. 22 people shot, at least 4 Dead. Why isn’t Governor Pritzker calling me for help. I could make Chicago a safe City in ONE MONTH, in ONE YEAR, it would be one of the safest!!! D.C. went from one of the worst, to one of the safest cities in the U.S.” President Trump posted to Truth Social.
The remarks came after a violent weekend in Chicago that left at least seven people dead and dozens more injured, according to reports. The shootings occurred between Friday evening and Sunday morning, adding to ongoing concerns about crime and public safety in the nation’s third-largest city.
President Trump pointed to previous deployments of federal resources, including National Guard assistance in cities such as New Orleans, Memphis, and Washington, as examples of the administration’s approach to combating crime and restoring order.
The president’s comments also highlighted his continuing disagreement with Pritzker, a prominent Democrat and potential 2028 presidential contender. The Illinois governor has previously resisted President Trump’s suggestions for increased federal involvement in Chicago, arguing that state and local officials are best positioned to address the city’s challenges.
Chicago has long been a focal point in national debates over crime and public safety. Republicans frequently cite the city as an example of the need for tougher law enforcement measures, while Democrats often emphasize broader strategies that include community investment, violence prevention programs, and criminal justice reforms.