Chicago in turmoil: Mayor Johnson calls Trump a threat!

Chicago in turmoil: Mayor Johnson calls Trump a threat!

In the political turmoil between Chicago and Washington, the current dispute between Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and US President Donald Trump is providing plenty of talk. This October 8, 2025, in a CNN interview, Johnson called Trump an “unstable, unpredictable person” and blamed him for a threat to democracy. Johnson is now in the firing line after Trump, via Truth Social, pushed for him and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker to be jailed for allegedly failing to protect ICE immigration officials. “ Radio Cologne reports that Johnson is committed to staying on as mayor and defending the citizens of Chicago.

What is the background to this heated argument? According to Trump, the National Guard troops, who are currently out of sight in Chicago, are a necessary protection for federal property and officers from violent protesters. Pritzker, on the other hand, describes the situation as “Trump’s invasion” and questions whether the escalation of peaceful protests is intentional. The governor calls on Trump to face the real situation and calls him a “coward” who makes attacks on political opponents the norm. Pritzker also sums up the situation by characterizing Trump as “demented” and “completely unpredictable.” The Chicago Sun-Times points out that Pritzker does not intend to backtrack, but instead opposes Trump's authoritarian behavior.

The legal battle and the security situation

As the door opens to a legal dispute, Illinois and Chicago are already seeking legal action to stop the deployment of the National Guard. Johnson expects a positive court decision, similar to the recent one in Oregon. ICE raids in Chicago and other US cities highlight current tensions. Reports of arrests, even of US citizens, are adding to public concern. Videos have even emerged showing controversial raids, including one in which a US citizen was led away in handcuffs. Such scenes make the calls for decisive action louder, although Pritzker also clearly addresses this. The context Political rhetoric in the USA plays an important role here, as the handbook on political rhetoric makes clear.

Meanwhile, the situation is generating plenty of conversation among the public, and the reactions show that Chicagoans, guided by their leaders, are ready to stand up for their beliefs. Trump may try to be intimidating, but Johnson and Pritzker's response shows that there is still room for resistance and clear words in American politics.