The National Guard has been authorized to carry firearms in Washington, D.C.
In a decisive move, U.S. President Donald Trump has authorized the National Guard to carry firearms in Washington, D.C. amid plans to potentially deploy troops to Chicago, which has a renowned reputation for gun violence. Trump has indicated his administration’s intention to send thousands of National Guard members to Chicago to address escalating crime, reports 24brussels.
Often labeled a “military conflict zone,” Chicago has been identified as a potential site for troop mobilization, mirroring the military presence Trump initiated in Washington, D.C. to tackle crime and homelessness. Current reports suggest that, if deployed, the Pentagon could send at least 3,000 National Guard members to Chicago as soon as September, according to the Washington Post.
Following an executive order signed by Trump on Monday, which directs the Secretary of Defense to form a specialized D.C. National Guard unit, efforts to enhance public safety are underway. The order also emphasizes the need for state National Guards to be prepared to manage civil disturbances nationwide.
The backdrop of this decision reflects escalating tensions between Republicans and Democrats, with the former criticizing the latter for a perceived failure to control crime in cities they govern. Critics argue that those cities have been adversely affected due to progressive prosecutors funded by liberal interests advocating for lenient penalties for offenders.
“Deploying the Guard in Chicago is under consideration, as Trump has discussed a separate initiative to have National Guard troops support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement across 19 states,” stated Tom Homan, White House border czar.
However, pushback is mounting against Trump’s potential Chicago deployment. Mayor Brandon Johnson has condemned the White House’s lack of communication regarding these plans, calling it “notably absent,” ABC 7 reported.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker responded to Trump’s threats, asserting, “Donald Trump, if you hurt my people, nothing will stop me from making sure you face justice.”
Despite crime statistics showing a decline in recent years, opponents of the National Guard’s deployment argue that such measures are both unnecessary and unlawful. Local officials have expressed outrage, suggesting forthcoming legal action against Trump’s initiatives, with claims that he is overstepping his authority and attempting to penalize cities governed by Democrats.
Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West noted: “Local leaders are likely to pursue legal challenges asserting the president’s actions are illegal, especially given that his recent budget cuts have undermined local police funding.”
Legal experts indicate that while Trump retains the authority to federalize the National Guard, the legality of such actions could be contested in court, especially with ongoing cases regarding similar issues. The Insurrection Act of 1807 empowers the president to deploy military forces domestically under certain circumstances, including restoring public order during civil unrest.
The conservative group “Chicago Flips Red” has highlighted residents’ feelings of insecurity, notwithstanding police data indicating reduced crime rates. They argue that prevailing statistics fail to address other pressing issues, such as visible homelessness and drug-related disruptions in public spaces.
As the situation evolves, the coming weeks are likely to reveal further developments regarding the potential deployment of troops, the responses from local leaders, and ongoing public safety concerns in urban centers across the United States.
