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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Condemns Trump’s Federal Funding Threats as 'Terrorism'

Mayor Johnson rejects negotiations over $3.5 billion in potential funding cuts, challenging Trump to address Chicago directly.

Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks to media at City Hall on April 15, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson responds to a question in his City Hall office during an interview with The Associated Press Monday, May 6, 2024, in Chicago. The rookie mayor's bumpy first year has been a test of his progressive credentials. He's navigated an evolving migrant crisis, budget gaps, persistent crime and a troubled transit system to name a few. While there have been wins for workers and social services, he's struggled with businesses, police and fellow Democrats.
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Overview

  • President Trump has threatened to withhold up to $3.5 billion in federal funding from Chicago and other sanctuary cities, including $1.3 billion for Chicago Public Schools.
  • Mayor Brandon Johnson denounced the funding threats as tactics akin to terrorism, accusing Trump of holding tax dollars hostage to force compliance.
  • Johnson invited Trump to meet at Chicago City Hall but rejected the notion of making concessions, stating, 'We’re not going to negotiate with terrorists.'
  • The Trump administration's broader policy targets sanctuary cities through an executive order withholding funds from jurisdictions with sanctuary policies.
  • Johnson criticized Trump’s economic policies as favoring the ultra-rich, asserting that the funding cuts are a direct attack on working people and public institutions.