President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order establishing “specialized” National Guard units that could be dispatched nationwide and reiterated that he is considering sending troops to Chicago to combat violent crime, describing the city as a “killing field.” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson held a joint news conference the same day, rejecting any federal deployment as unnecessary and unconstitutional. “Mr. President, do not come to Chicago,” Pritzker said, labelling the proposal “illegal, unconstitutional and un-American.” The officials said they are reviewing legal options to block any deployment and urged the White House instead to release approximately $800 million in violence-prevention funds they say were withheld earlier this year. Local authorities argue crime trends do not justify military intervention, pointing to city data showing homicides down about 30 percent from 2024, robberies down 35 percent and shootings down 40 percent. Constitutional scholars note the president may federalize state troops only in cases of rebellion, invasion or obstruction of federal law, circumstances Illinois leaders say do not exist. Even some Republicans, including Missouri Representative Mark Alford, have said National Guard forces should not enter a state without the governor’s consent. While Trump suggested he would prefer a formal request before sending soldiers, he has not ruled out unilateral action. Pritzker and Johnson signaled they would challenge such a move in court, setting up a potential clash over executive power and states’ rights if the administration proceeds.