Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Trump Withdraws Troops from Chicago, Portland
President Trump has decided to pull back National Guard troops from Chicago and Portland.
He says it's only temporary and that crime went down because of the troops.
But the governors and mayors of these cities, who are Democrats, have been fighting this in court.
The Supreme Court even said no to more troops in Illinois.
Governor Newsom of California is happy about the decision and says it's the end of something unfair.
Trump might send troops back if crime goes up again, but for now, they're leaving.
There are also questions about troops in other cities like Washington DC and Memphis.
Local leaders say the troops weren't needed and that local police did a good job reducing crime.
Trump withdraws National Guard troops from Chicago and Portland, claiming it's temporary.
The move follows legal challenges and a Supreme Court rebuke blocking deployments in Illinois.
Governor Gavin Newsom of California hailed the decision, calling it an end to 'illegal intimidation'.
Trump initially deployed troops in June 2023 in response to protests against ICE raids and his hardline immigration policies.
The future of National Guard deployments in other Democratic-run cities like Washington DC and Memphis is uncertain.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Governors Gavin Newsom (CA), JB Pritzker (IL), Tina Kotek (OR), Mayor Brandon Johnson (Chicago)
- What
- Withdrawal of National Guard troops from Chicago and Portland
- When
- Announced on Wednesday, with deployments beginning in June 2023
- Where
- Chicago, Portland, and potentially other Democratic-run cities
- Why
- Legal challenges and court rulings against the Trump administration, with Trump claiming it's temporary
Trump Administration
Local Democratic Leaders
Necessity of Deployments
Trump Administration
Trump claims deployments were necessary to reduce crime and protect federal property.
Local Democratic Leaders
Local leaders argue deployments were unnecessary and accused the Trump administration of federal overreach.
Effectiveness of Deployments
Trump Administration
Trump asserts that crime was greatly reduced due to the presence of National Guard troops.
Local Democratic Leaders
Local officials attribute crime reduction to local police and public safety programs, not federal troops.
Legal Authority
Trump Administration
Trump believes he has the authority to deploy troops under his presidential powers.
Local Democratic Leaders
Courts have ruled that the Trump administration overstepped its authority and lacked evidence to justify deployments.
- Cities Involved
- Chicago, Portland
- Initial Deployment Reason
- Protests against ICE raids and Trump's hardline immigration policies
- Legal Challenges
- Multiple lawsuits filed by cities and states, resulting in court rulings against the Trump administration
- Supreme Court Action
- Blocked deployment in Illinois, stating Trump's authority only applies in 'exceptional' circumstances
- Trump's Stance
- Claims move is temporary, vows to redeploy if crime increases
- Governor Newsom's Response
- Hailed the decision, called it an end to 'illegal intimidation'
- Potential Future Deployments
- Uncertain, including in Washington DC and Memphis
- Crime Statistics
- Chicago officials report 416 homicides in 2025, the fewest since 2014
Sources
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