Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has launched a blistering attack on the Trump administration, denouncing the president’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago as “thuggery” and an “invasion” of his state. His fiery remarks come as Illinois and the City of Chicago jointly filed a federal lawsuit to block what they call an unconstitutional power grab.
Pritzker’s comments, delivered during a tense press briefing on Monday, accused President Trump of using the U.S. military as a political weapon to intimidate blue states and distract from national unrest. “This is not leadership — it’s an abuse of power,” Pritzker declared. “Sending troops into our streets against the will of our state is nothing short of a Trump invasion.”
The lawsuit, spearheaded by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, argues that the federal government’s order to federalize the Illinois National Guard and deploy additional troops from Texas violates the Constitution, the Posse Comitatus Act, and the Tenth Amendment. The filing seeks a temporary restraining order to stop the deployment, warning it could escalate tensions and endanger civilians.
As of Tuesday, a federal judge declined to immediately block the order, allowing time for the administration to respond before a Thursday hearing. Meanwhile, reports confirm that military convoys are already mobilizing from Texas toward Illinois, raising alarms among local leaders and civil rights groups.
In his statement, Pritzker accused Trump of “manufacturing chaos” to justify sending in troops, calling it “a cynical attempt to appear strong while trampling on the rights of states.” He vowed that Illinois would “use every legal tool” to defend its sovereignty and protect its residents from federal interference.
The controversy has quickly escalated into a national constitutional crisis, with several other states — including Oregon and California — considering similar legal actions. Critics warn that if Trump succeeds, it could set a dangerous precedent allowing presidents to override local authority whenever politically convenient.
Supporters of the administration argue that the Guard deployment is needed to curb rising violence and maintain order in major cities. However, opponents insist that it’s a political stunt intended to energize Trump’s base and punish Democratic-led states.
Legal scholars say the case could determine the limits of presidential power over domestic military use — a debate not seen since the Vietnam War protests.
As the courtroom battle looms, Pritzker’s defiance has made him a leading voice of opposition, framing the conflict as a fight for American democracy and state independence. “This is not about party politics,” he said. “It’s about protecting the rule of law — and ensuring no president can treat our cities like occupied territory.”
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