Former President Donald Trump has announced that Chicago may be the next city to face direct federal oversight, citing ongoing concerns about crime and what he described as failed local leadership.
During his remarks, Trump pointed to widespread frustration among residents over persistent violence, slow reforms, and a lack of effective governance. He singled out Mayor Brandon Johnson, calling him “grossly incompetent,” and vowed that under his administration, “Chicagoans will see results far more quickly.”
Trump portrayed the move as a necessary step to restore order, emphasizing that many local residents have expressed support for stronger federal involvement. Turning to Vice President J.D. Vance, he claimed that support for his policies extends deep into traditionally Democratic neighborhoods.
He stated that “many Chicago residents—particularly Black women—had been calling for help and even wearing red MAGA hats” as a show of solidarity. “They’ll say bad things about me, and then they’ll say, ‘thank God he’s here,’” Trump remarked, asserting that his popularity in urban areas is greater than the media portrays.
Expanding on his broader agenda, Trump hinted that New York City could be next on the list for intervention. He directly criticized mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of planning to obstruct federal immigration enforcement if elected. Trump warned that his administration “would not tolerate such resistance,” signaling a tougher stance on local leaders who oppose federal immigration or crime policies.
The remarks underscore Trump’s continued push to assert federal authority in major cities struggling with crime and public order issues. While his comments have sparked strong reactions from political leaders and community advocates, they also highlight the deep divisions over how to address urban safety and the balance of power between local governments and Washington.