Trump Says Federal Police Will Enter Cities Only on Local Request

President Donald Trump said Monday that the federal government will send law-enforcement personnel into U.S. cities only if local officials formally request assistance. Speaking about Chicago, the president added that he "may or may not wait" before acting but emphasized that, as a rule, authorities "should wait to be asked" before intervening. Trump’s comments clarify his administration’s stance toward policing in Illinois and other urban areas that have struggled with violent crime. The president did not announce any immediate deployments and gave no timetable, instead repeating that Washington "can do it" if asked. City and state officials in Illinois have not publicly requested additional federal support.