Trump threatens federal action in Chicago, takeover of D.C.

President Donald Trump said on Friday that he may extend his federal crackdown on crime to Chicago and other Democrat-led cities, after deploying the National Guard and federal agents in Washington, D.C.

Saying without evidence that violent crime was out of control in the nation's capital, Trump deployed D.C. National Guard soldiers and federal agents on the streets last week with a mandate to reduce crime.

"It was horrible and Mayor Bowser better get her act straight or she won't be mayor very long, because we'll take it over with the federal government, run it like it's supposed to be run," Trump told reporters, referring to Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Trump criticised Chicago’s leadership, claiming residents had urged him to intervene, and hinted at targeting New York and San Francisco next.

The mayor said Trump's approach has been "uncoordinated, uncalled for and unsound." He added: "There are many things the federal government could do to help us reduce crime and violence in Chicago, but sending in the military is not one of them."

New York City, meanwhile, continues to see declining crime rates, contradicting Trump’s claims.

Critics argue that Trump’s threats reflect an attempt to expand presidential power beyond constitutional limits. The U.S. Constitution grants states and municipalities authority over law enforcement, with limited exceptions, making Trump’s interventionist stance legally contentious.

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