President Donald Trump claimed that “African-American ladies… beautiful ladies” are urging him to extend federal troop deployments to Chicago following the militarised presence in Washington D.C. this month. He stated that these supporters, wearing red MAGA hats, were requesting federal intervention in Chicago before moving on to New York.
++ Nature’s oddities: insects so bizarre they hardly look real
Danielle Carter-Walters, a Black personal trainer and conservative influencer, believes Trump was referring to her and the MAGA group she co-founded, Chicago Flips Red. She praised the president for “listening” to their calls for federal action and defended his D.C. operation as a deterrent to crime. Carter-Walters has previously testified before Congress on sanctuary cities, giving her national exposure.
Trump’s comments drew sharp criticism from Chicago leaders. Governor JB Pritzker warned that Illinois would resist any attempts to impose federal control, while Mayor Brandon Scott stated the city would “not surrender our humanity” to what he described as tyranny. Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton and Democratic candidate Kat Abugazelah also denounced Trump’s threats as political posturing and a misuse of power.
++ Zarah Sultana criticises Jeremy Corbyn over antisemitism and brexit
Legally, Trump cannot deploy National Guard troops with law enforcement authority in any state without the governor’s consent. His actions in D.C. were permitted because the District’s Guard reports directly to the president. Residents of Washington D.C. largely oppose the deployment, citing clashes between agents and civilians, including an incident involving an armoured vehicle hitting a car, highlighting the ongoing tensions caused by the federal takeover.
