President Donald Trump said Friday that his administration is considering potential federal action in Chicago and San Francisco to address crime, following recent steps taken in Washington, D.C.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said: “When we’re ready, we’ll go ahead and we’ll straighten out Chicago, just like we did D.C. Chicago is very dangerous.”
The president criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, calling him “grossly incompetent,” and said he has not spoken directly with him about the issue.
Earlier in the day, Trump appeared at the Kennedy Center in Washington, where he highlighted his recent order placing certain law enforcement operations in the nation’s capital under federal control, with assistance from National Guard troops. Trump noted that there had been no homicides in D.C. since the federal intervention.
Trump suggested Chicago could be “next” for federal involvement and also mentioned San Francisco as a possible candidate. “We’ll clean that one up, too,” he told reporters.
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Without naming individuals, Trump said Democratic officials from other cities have privately reached out to request federal help, citing concerns about public safety.
The president has previously said he may consider a full federal takeover of Washington, D.C., if Mayor Muriel Bowser is unable to meet his expectations for improving security and city management. He also announced a $2 billion initiative aimed at cleaning and beautifying the capital.
