Trump Administration Withdraws National Guard Troops from Major Cities
Full Transcript
The Trump administration has announced the withdrawal of National Guard troops from major cities, specifically Chicago and Portland. According to The Hill, reports indicate that hundreds of National Guard soldiers will be pulled by the Defense Department, with around 200 members from the California National Guard returning from Portland and another 200 from the Texas National Guard heading back from Chicago.
This decision follows months of deployment in Democratic-leaning cities, including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., with the administration justifying the presence of these troops as necessary for fighting crime and enforcing immigration law.
However, this move has been met with significant backlash from local officials in these cities. For instance, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker voiced strong opposition, stating no federal officials coordinated with him prior to the deployment.
He labeled the situation as 'Trump's Invasion,' highlighting frustrations about the federal government's military presence without local consent. Similarly, California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed discontent regarding the federal actions.
The deployment of National Guard troops has become a point of contention in discussions about urban security and local governance, raising questions about the relationship between state and federal authorities.
The decision to withdraw troops also underscores the broader political implications of the Trump administration's approach to public safety in urban areas, particularly in cities governed by Democratic leadership.
The withdrawal is set to begin as soon as this Sunday, according to The Hill, which noted that the decision follows a pattern of deploying federal forces to cities during periods of unrest. As the withdrawal unfolds, the impact on community relations and local governance will likely be closely monitored by both state officials and residents in the affected areas.