Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) vocally rejected President Donald Trump’s potential use of the National Guard to crack down on crime in his city, telling a crowd of anti-MAGA protestors on Monday he will not stand for “militarized force” being used in the Windy City. His comments come after 53 people were shot in Chicago over the past two days, resulting in seven deaths — a major surge in violence compared to the same time last year.

“No federal troops in the city of Chicago! No militarized force in the city of Chicago! We’re going to defend our democracy in the city of Chicago! We’re going to protect the humanity of every single person in the city of Chicago!”

The 49-year-old Democrat’s comments were made at the “Workers Over Billionaires” protest in Chicago. The 53 people who were shot in Johnson’s city over the past two days is up 70% compared to last year, according to the local ABC affiliate.

MSNBC Reports aired the comments above, before host Erielle Reshef noted Chicago teachers had already been sending letters to parents “acknowledging federal presence could create fear and anxiety around school safety.”

Johnson has made it clear in recent days that he does not want Trump’s help in thwarting crime. On Saturday, Johnson signed an executive order telling Chicago police to not “collaborate” with federal officials on joint patrols, arrest operations, and immigration law enforcement.

“We have not called for this. Our people have not asked for this, but nevertheless, we find ourselves having to respond to this, and we find ourselves in a position where we must take immediate, drastic action to protect our people from federal overreach,” Johnson said. “Protecting Chicago will ensure that every Chicagoan knows their rights, that every single family is prepared, and every part of city government is directed to protect the people of Chicago from federal action.”

President Trump has said he is looking at sending the National Guard into Chicago and other major cities to combat lawlessness, following his crime crackdown in Washington, D.C. last month.

Johnson is not the only prominent Illinois Democrat who is opposed to the idea. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) recently called Trump’s crackdown “a manufactured crisis,” and told CBS News that voters “should understand that [Trump] has other aims, other than fighting crime,” like putting a stop to the 2026 elections.

The president’s approach to crime has received a thumbs up from a majority of Americans, though, according to one major poll this week. The AP-NORC poll showed Trump had his best approval rating ever on Wednesday, and that 53% of Americans approved of his handling of crime.

The post ‘No Federal Troops!’ Chicago Mayor Rejects Trump’s Crackdown as 53 Residents Shot Over Labor Day Weekend first appeared on Mediaite.

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