President Trump had harsh criticism of Illinois Governor J.D. Pritzker this week for his failure to take action against the rampant crime rates in Chicago. In a Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump took aim at Gov. Pritzker for his refusal to accept federal help in combatting violent crime.
“Governor Pritzker had 6 murders in Chicago this weekend. 20 people were shot. But he doesn’t want to ask me for help,” Trump said. “Can this be possible? The people are desperate for me to STOP THE CRIME, something the Democrats aren’t capable of doing. STAY TUNED!!! President DJT.”
Trump’s comments come amid an ongoing battle with Gov. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson over how to get violent crime in the city under control. In a Truth social post on Tuesday, Trump responded to a particularly violent weekend in Chicago by calling out Pritzker’s lack of leadership and suggesting the Governor should consider seeking federal assistance in addressing the crime problem.
“A really DEADLY weekend in Chicago. 6 DEAD, 27 HURT IN CRIME SPREES ALLOVER THE CITY. Panic stricken Governor Pritzker says that crime is under control, when in fact it is just the opposite,” Trump said. “He is an incompetent Governor who should call me for HELP. Mayor Johnson is no better. Make Chicago Great Again.”
Pritzker refused Trump’s offer of help, describing federal involvement as “overreach.” Mayor Johnson echoed the comments of Governor Pritzker, characterizing the involvement of the National Guard as an occupation of the city and saying it was not something Chicagoans were seeking.
Although crime rates in Chicago are down from the previous year, a general upward trend has continued demonstrated but he 40% increase in violent crime compared to 2021. The city was named the “nation’s homicide capital” after recording 573 murders in 2024.
Speaking to reporters from the Oval Office, President Trump denied the accusations of federal overreach and said he would not act unless Gov. Pritzker requested help. “I think until I get that request from that guy I’m not going to do anything about it,” Trump said. “I hate to barge in on a city and then be treated horribly by the corrupt politicians.”