Overview
- The White House confirmed National Guard units patrolling Washington are now carrying M4 rifles and M17 pistols, as Trump signed executive orders to curb bail and pretrial release, criminalize flag burning, and expand public‑safety staffing.
- Trump said Chicago is likely his next target, with potential action in New York and Baltimore, while reporting indicates the Pentagon has conducted preliminary planning for a Chicago operation without formal orders.
- Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said no assistance was requested and pledged to resist any federalization, citing sharp declines in homicides and shootings; Maryland Governor Wes Moore also rejected Baltimore threats.
- Legal options floated include Title 10 Section 12406 and the Insurrection Act, which analysts say would trigger immediate litigation; California’s suit over Trump’s earlier Los Angeles deployment remains pending.
- Trump questioned previously approved federal funding for Maryland’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in a spat with Moore and separately said he will seek the death penalty for murder convictions in Washington.