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Protesters march through Chicago carrying signs opposing Trump, as they pass by the Trump International Hotel & Tower during demonstrations against the anticipated deployment of National Guard troops. — AFP
– Demonstrators rally in Chicago protesting the deployment of troops.
– Illinois Governor Pritzker criticizes Trump’s threat directed at Chicago.
– Pritzker emphasizes on social media, “This isn’t a joke.”
President Donald Trump threatened to deploy his newly renamed “Department of War” to Chicago, escalating tensions over his efforts to send military forces into Democratic-controlled cities. His goal appears to mirror actions taken in Washington, D.C., where he moved National Guard units and increased federal law enforcement, sparking protests that saw thousands of participants.
On Saturday, Trump posted on Truth Social, “Chicago is about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker responded with outrage, stating, “The President of the U.S. is threatening to go to war with an American city. This isn’t a joke. This is not normal.” He also added, “Illinois won’t be intimidated by a wannabe dictator.”
The post included a faux AI-generated image of Trump with the caption: “I love the smell of deportations in the morning,” a twisted nod to the classic Vietnam War film “Apocalypse Now,” where Lt. Col. Kilgore claims he loves the smell of napalm. The 79-year-old Republican has been steadily increasing threats against Chicago since late August.
Anti-Trump protests took to Chicago’s streets on Saturday, featuring signs like “stop this fascist regime!” and “no Trump, no troops.” The march passed by Trump Tower, where demonstrators made rude gestures toward the building.
Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., a large protest with thousands of people marched through downtown, carrying inverted American flags to symbolize the country’s perceived crisis. These demonstrations occurred amid ongoing legal challenges and widespread criticism of Trump’s recent deployments of troops and federal agents — efforts that began in June in Los Angeles and soon moved to Washington. Critics view these actions as authoritarian displays of force.
In Los Angeles, local officials condemned the aggressive tactics used by ICE agents, who often wore masks, drove unmarked cars, and apprehended individuals without warrants or cause. Besides Chicago, Trump has also threatened similar troop deployments in Baltimore and New Orleans.
On Friday, Trump signed an executive order renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War, claiming it sends a “message of victory” globally. Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the move, asserting that the U.S. would use decisive force to achieve its objectives without hesitation.
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