Former President Donald Trump has suggested that Chicago could be the next target for a federal crackdown on crime, following a similar initiative in New York City.

While specifics regarding the scope and nature of such a crackdown remain unclear, Trump's statement, made [insert source and date of statement here], signals a potential escalation of his focus on addressing crime in major Democratic-controlled cities.

His comments echo his previous pronouncements on deploying federal resources to combat crime, a strategy he employed and promoted during his presidency.

In the context of New York City, his proposed intervention has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising a more assertive federal role in tackling rising crime rates and others criticizing it as an overreach of federal power and a potential infringement on local autonomy.

A Chicago-focused initiative would likely face similar polarized reactions.

Supporters might point to Chicago's persistent struggle with violent crime as justification for federal intervention, arguing that local authorities are overwhelmed and require additional resources and support.

Opponents, however, could raise concerns about the potential for federal overreach, the displacement of local law enforcement strategies, and the potential for disproportionate targeting of certain communities.

The practicality and legality of such a large-scale federal intervention are also open to debate.

Questions arise regarding the allocation of resources, the coordination between federal and local agencies, and the potential for unintended consequences.

Furthermore, the impact of federal involvement on community relations and trust in local law enforcement would be a crucial factor to consider.

Trump's suggestion highlights the ongoing debate surrounding federal involvement in local crime issues and the deep political divisions surrounding approaches to crime prevention and control.

The future will show whether this remains mere rhetoric or whether concrete plans for a federal intervention in Chicago will emerge.

Washington — President Trump on Friday said Chicago will probably be the federal government's next target for its anti-crime effort, following the  in Washington, D.C., with New York City after that.

The remarks were the president's clearest indication yet that he intends to bring his crusade against crime beyond the corridors of his direct authority in Washington. Mr. Trump also said he's willing to bring in the "regular military" into the District of Columbia, not just the National Guard, which would be a significant escalation of the president's use of the military on U.S. soil. 

"I really am honored that the National Guard has done such an incredible job working with the police," Mr. Trump told reporters Friday. "And we haven't had to bring in the regular military, which we're willing to do if we have to. And after we do this, we'll go to another location, and we'll make it safe, also."

"Chicago's a mess," he continued. "You have an incompetent mayor, grossly incompetent. And we'll straighten that one out probably next, that'll be our next one after this."

He said "the people in Chicago" are "screaming for us to come."

"They're wearing red hats ... African American ladies, beautiful ladies, are saying, 'Please, President Trump, come to Chicago. Please.' I did great with the Black vote, as you know. And they want something to happen, so, I think Chicago will be our next, and then we'll help with New York."

"When we're ready we'll go in and we'll straighten out Chicago, just like we did D.C.," the president added. 

Mr. Trump said the federal government may also intervene in San Francisco, among other cities. 

It's not yet clear how the federal government or National Guard would be able to intervene in a city that's not Washington, D.C., where the federal government has over the district. 

State National Guard units are under the control of the governor, not Mr. Trump, and he does not have the power to temporarily take control of city police departments outside of D.C. Illinois, New York and California all have Democratic governors and mayors who would be unlikely to go along with Mr. Trump's plans. Mr. Trump made the comments in the Oval Office Friday, during an announcement about the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

The  prohibits military troops from participating in certain civil law enforcement actions, except as expressly authorized by law.