Overview

• The Truth Social post depicted a burning Chicago and warned the city would “find out why it’s called the Department of WAR,” a message the White House amplified on X.
• A day earlier, Trump signed an executive order granting “Department of War” as a secondary title for the Pentagon.
• Pressed Sunday, Trump said he is “not going to war” with Chicago and described planned action as an effort to “clean up” crime.
• White House border czar Tom Homan said Chicago should “absolutely” expect immigration enforcement this week and that National Guard use is on the table.
• Illinois leaders condemned the rhetoric as thousands protested, reports flagged Naval Station Great Lakes as an ICE staging site, and prior court rulings raise legal risks with no Guard orders publicly issued.