By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump is escalating his push to tackle crime in major cities.
The president says he wants troops in cities like Chicago, New York and Baltimore to assist with combatting crime. But governors in states like New York, Illinois and Maryland say the president is overstepping his authority.
“Chicago is the worst – these places are really bad… Next should be Chicago, because as you all know, Chicago’s a killing field right now,” said Trump. “I’m not walking in Baltimore right now. Baltimore is a hellhole.”
As part of a sweeping effort to reduce crime, that first began in Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump is now considering activating the National Guard in other major cities like New York, Baltimore and Chicago.
“Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. You are neither wanted here nor needed here,” said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D).
“There’s no reason for them to come here. I know where to find them if I need them,” said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D).
In all states, the governors control the National Guard – except for in emergency scenarios.
“I’m the commander in chief of the National Guard here in the state of New York. I use that authority when I need to,” said Hochul.
“I’m the commander in chief of the Maryland National Guard, not him. The reality is, he still needs states to be able to invite the federal government to come on board to be able to do that,” said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D). “I will not authorize the Maryland National Guard to be activated for something that is either not mission critical or mission aligned.”
In the nation’s capital, the president controls the National Guard, which has been activated for more than two weeks to assist local and federal law enforcement.
But in California earlier this summer, President Trump did deploy the Guard – despite opposition from Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) – by using a law that allows him to send in troops if necessary to repel invasion, suppress rebellion or execute federal laws. The administration is reportedly eyeing California as the blueprint for other major cities.
But without active, ongoing protests, it could be more difficult to make the same case as California. In the meantime, President Trump is working to build support for what could be a nationwide crime crackdown, despite criticism from opponents.
“The line is that I’m a dictator, but I stop crime,” said Trump. “I’m not a dictator, I just know how to stop crime.”
A new analysis found estimates that the president’s National Guard deployment in D.C. is likely costing at least $1 million a day. According to the report, that figure accounts for hotel, travel, food, fuel and logistical needs – and pay for the more than 2,200 National Guard troops in D.C.
