Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark demand for National Guard troops to be deployed in Chicago following a devastating wave of violence that left multiple people dead and dozens injured over the Memorial Day weekend.
The Republican presidential candidate took to his Truth Social platform to declare Chicago is "being terrorised" by criminal elements, insisting that only military intervention can restore order to the city streets.
Weekend of Bloodshed Sparks Political Firestorm
Trump's dramatic intervention comes after Chicago police reported at least nine fatalities and more than 40 people wounded in multiple shooting incidents across the city. The violence reached its peak during what should have been a peaceful holiday celebration, with victims including both adults and children caught in the crossfire.
"We need the National Guard in Chicago. We need to get tough and strong and stop the killing and crime that is taking over our cities," Trump declared in his social media post, framing the violence as a consequence of failed Democratic policies.
Political Divide Deepens Over Crime Response
The former president's comments immediately ignited a fierce political debate, with critics accusing him of exploiting urban violence for political gain. Trump specifically targeted Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, claiming the city's leadership has "no idea what they are doing" when it comes to public safety.
This isn't the first time Trump has advocated for military intervention in American cities. During his presidency, he repeatedly suggested sending federal troops to Chicago and other urban centres experiencing high crime rates, though such deployments never materialised on the scale he proposed.
Chicago's Ongoing Struggle With Violence
The Memorial Day weekend violence represents a continuation of Chicago's long-standing struggle with gun crime. Despite various initiatives and increased police presence in recent years, the city continues to grapple with periodic surges in violent incidents, particularly during summer months and holiday periods.
Local authorities have yet to respond directly to Trump's latest demand, though Chicago police officials have emphasised their commitment to using all available resources to combat violence while respecting constitutional rights and community relationships.
The debate over how to address urban violence continues to divide political leaders, with some advocating for tougher law enforcement measures while others push for addressing root causes through social programs and economic investment in affected communities.
