WATCH: Trump says ‘dangerous’ Chicago next after addressing crime in D.C.
President Donald Trump says Chicago is next on his list of cities to focus on cleaning up crime.
In December, after Trump was elected to a second non-consecutive term, Danielle Carter-Walters used public comments at a Chicago City Council meeting to call for the Trump administration to come to Chicago and make an example out of city officials.
“Please come here first, because you know what, we’re going to help you,” Carter-Watlers said.
Friday, Trump said he’s cleaning up Washington D.C. and plans to address crime in Chicago next.
“Chicago’s a mess,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “You have an incompetent mayor, grossly incompetent. And we’ll straighten that one out. Probably next. That will be our next one after this. And it won’t even be tough. And the people in Chicago, Mr. Vice President, are screaming for us to come now wearing red hats.”
The president said he hasn’t talked with city officials like Mayor Brandon Johnson.
“I haven’t spoken, he’s grossly incompetent. I haven’t spoken to them,” Trump said. “You know, when we’re ready, we’ll go in and we’ll straighten out Chicago just like we did D.C.. Chicago’s very dangerous. Great place I built. Great stuff there. I have a, I have the most beautiful building in Chicago, I think. But I hate to see what’s happened to Chicago.”
Johnson’s administration didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Asked about other possible federal enforcement earlier in the day Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the Trump administration is plotting against political opponents.
“I’m not daring them to do anything, I’m just saying they don’t have a right,” Pritzker said Friday at an unrelated event. “Federal law and state law, separate endeavors and they don’t have a right to do the things that they are threatening to do.”
While city wide murder is down 50% over the past four years, burglary, felony theft, misdemeanor theft and motor vehicle theft are all up a total of 40%.
Latest News Stories
Foundation Receives One of its Largest Gifts of all Time
Expert: Illinois’ outdated tax law leaves homeowners, taxpayers on the hook
Illinois quick hits: Midway Blitz nabs nine drunk drivers; Madigan prosecutor to depart
Lawmakers divided after federal complaint targets student mental health screening law
Normal, IL fire and EMS challenges highlight need for statewide task force
Analysis: Chicago among worst cities to drive in
First lawsuit filed against Camp Mystic by parents of five campers, two counselors
Senate votes to reopen government, sending funding bills to House
Illinois quick hits: Bailey to stay in governor’s race
Airlines warn flight reductions could cost U.S. economy
Report: Less than half of CPS students performing at grade level
WATCH: IL comptroller candidates focus on transparency, timely reporting