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1h ago

Trump Orders Rapid-Response Guard Units, Floats Chicago Deployment as State Leaders Resist

Illinois and Chicago leaders say they will sue if the president tries to send troops without their consent.

National Guard troops stand guard outside a Shake Shack in Washington, D.C.
President Donald Trump visits the U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility on August 21, 2025 in Washington, DC.
President Donald Trump speaks after signing an executive order, as Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth look on in the White House Oval Office on Aug. 25, 2025.
U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during the signing of executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 25, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Overview

  • A new executive order directs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to create specialized National Guard public‑order units and a standing quick‑reaction force for potential nationwide use.
  • U.S. officials say the Pentagon has done initial planning for what a Chicago mobilization could look like, though no deployment has been ordered.
  • In Washington, officials confirmed some National Guard patrols are now carrying firearms, with Joint Task Force–DC citing strict last‑resort use‑of‑force rules.
  • Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson report no prior coordination from the White House and say they are evaluating legal options to block any federal operation.
  • Chicago police data show year‑to‑date declines in murders and shootings of roughly 30% or more, which local leaders cite to dispute any emergency rationale for troops.