Intensifies threats of enforcement actions against Chicago City

In a controversial move, US President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy his newly rebranded "Department of War" in Chicago. This announcement, made on his social media platform Truth Social, has sparked outrage from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and protests across the city.

Pritzker expressed his dismay, stating that Trump's post is not a joke and not normal. He also asserted that Illinois will not be intimidated by Trump's threats. The governor's sentiments were echoed by thousands of protesters who marched in Chicago, carrying signs reading "stop this fascist regime!" and "no Trump, no troops."

The route of the protest passed by Chicago's Trump Tower, with protesters making rude gestures at the president's building. This latest threat comes after Trump previously deployed National Guard troops and increased federal agents in Washington, D.C., sparking protests.

Critics have labelled Trump's deployments an authoritarian show of force, while Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, who Trump referred to as his "War Minister" starting in early 2025, cheered the move, saying the US will decisively exact violence to reach its aims, without apology.

The threat to Chicago follows early mentions by Trump in late August, and it is not the first city he has targeted. Trump has also threatened to replicate the surges in Democratic-led Baltimore and New Orleans.

The rebranding of the Department of Defence to the Department of War was formalised on Friday by Trump, who stated that the move sends "a message of victory" to the world. However, the move has faced criticism, with many viewing it as a dangerous escalation of military power.

The deployment of troops and federal agents in Los Angeles in June, which was followed by Washington, has prompted legal challenges and protests. Local officials in Los Angeles spoke out against the deployments and the violent tactics employed by ICE agents, who were often seen wearing masks, driving in unmarked cars, and snatching people from the streets without cause or warrants.

Demonstrators in Washington, D.C. carried US flags as they marched past national monuments, demanding an end to the "occupation." The protests in both cities serve as a reminder of the divided nation and the ongoing tensions between Trump and his critics.