Chicago shootings leave 7 dead, prompting a Democrat to back Trump. Mustang readers follow the national debate on crime and security.

Chicago is once again at the center of America’s crime debate after another violent holiday weekend left 54 people shot and seven dead. Despite the staggering toll, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have doubled down on rejecting federal assistance, accusing President Trump of exploiting the crisis for political gain ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Governor Pritzker even suggested that Trump’s deployment of federal personnel could be a strategy to interfere with future elections, while Mayor Johnson led chants of “No troops in Chicago” and signed an executive order banning Chicago police from supporting federal agents.

But not everyone in the city agrees. Willie Wilson, a Chicago businessman and one-time mayoral candidate, sharply criticized city and state leadership, saying they’ve failed residents who live with daily violence. “I support President Trump on this one… I support him a thousand percent,” Wilson declared.

Growing Frustration from Residents

On the ground, frustration is boiling over. Residents told reporters they no longer feel safe in their own neighborhoods, with children carrying guns as young as eight years old. Police officers remain underappreciated and constrained by policies they say prevent them from doing their jobs effectively.

“What about security for the people?” one resident asked, pointing out that politicians like Johnson and Pritzker enjoy armed security details while ordinary Chicagoans are left vulnerable.

Federal Response and Wider Implications

Federal officials have confirmed that the Great Lakes Naval Base north of Chicago is preparing to house federal personnel. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has promised a ramped-up crackdown on crime and immigration enforcement, signaling that federal intervention may move forward despite state resistance.

Supporters argue that deploying federal troops could give local law enforcement the reset they desperately need, much like what’s been seen in Washington, D.C., where visible federal presence reportedly curbed gang activity and street crime.

Critics, however, warn of political motives and federal overreach. Yet, for many families who have lost loved ones to shootings and carjackings, the debate feels far removed from their daily reality. They just want safety restored.

The Bigger Picture

Chicago’s struggles mirror those in other progressive cities nationwide, where rising crime, poverty, and political gridlock continue to erode public trust. As the 2026 midterms approach, Trump is betting that a law-and-order message will resonate not just in Chicago, but across America.

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