Story perspectives

Trump's National Guard Deployments Spark Lawsuits and Controversy

10/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump escalated National Guard deployments in Democratic-led cities to curb crime.
Deployments include Chicago and Memphis, despite leaders saying crime rates are falling.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson filed lawsuits, labeling the actions unlawful and politically motivated.
A federal judge temporarily blocked Chicago deployment for lack of evidence of a rebellion.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the actions, calling concerns a smear campaign.

History

Historical Context

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson deployed the National Guard to Chicago during the Democratic National Convention to manage civil unrest, where over 10,000 protesters clashed with police. This historical precedent echoes in President Donald Trump's recent National Guard deployments in cities like Chicago and Memphis, raising concerns about legality and the potential impact on civil rights discussions in America.

1 of 2

Story summary

President Donald Trump escalated National Guard deployments in Democratic-led cities to curb crime.
Deployments include Chicago and Memphis, despite leaders saying crime rates are falling.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson filed lawsuits, labeling the actions unlawful and politically motivated.
A federal judge temporarily blocked Chicago deployment for lack of evidence of a rebellion.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the actions, calling concerns a smear campaign.

1 / 2