Trump withdraws National Guard from Chicago,Los Angeles,and Portland
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US President Donald Trump has authorized the withdrawal of National Guard troops from Chicago,Los angeles,and Portland,citing a decrease in crime rates following their deployment. The decision, announced on New Year’s Eve 2026, comes despite criticism from some Democratic governors and mayors who had requested the Guard’s removal. Trump has stated the troops will be redeployed if crime rates rise again.
Justification for Withdrawal
According to a post on his social media platform, “Truth Social,” Trump attributes the recent decline in crime within the three cities to the presence of the National Guard.While specific crime statistics were not provided in the initial announcement, Trump indicated a “notable” reduction in criminal activity. He warned that this progress could be reversed without continued security measures. https://www.donaldjtrump.com/ (Note: This link directs to Donald Trump’s official website, where statements are often posted.)
criticism of Local Leadership
The President expressed disapproval of calls from Democratic governors and mayors for the National Guard’s withdrawal.He characterized thes leaders as “deeply incompetent” and questioned their understanding of the positive impact the Guard had made. Trump suggested that removing the troops could quickly lead to a resurgence of crime.
Background: National Guard Deployment
The deployment of the National Guard to these cities was a controversial move, initially authorized in response to protests and rising crime rates in the summer of 2025. The deployments were met with legal challenges and protests from civil rights groups who raised concerns about the militarization of law enforcement and potential for excessive force. https://www.aclu.org/ (American Civil Liberties Union – provides data on civil rights concerns related to deployments)
Recent Crime statistics (as of January 2, 2027):
While Trump claims a significant decrease in crime, data from the FBI indicates a more nuanced picture.
* Chicago: Reported a 7% decrease in overall crime in the last quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. https://www.fbi.gov/ (FBI uniform Crime Reporting Program)
* Los Angeles: Experienced a 3% reduction in violent crime, but property crime remained relatively stable. https://www.lapdonline.org/ (Los Angeles Police Department official website)
* Portland: Saw a 12% decrease in reported incidents,but concerns remain about underreporting and the impact of community policing initiatives. https://www.portland.gov/police (portland Police Bureau official website)
It’s important to note that attributing these changes solely to the National Guard’s presence is arduous,as numerous factors influence crime rates.
Reactions to the Withdrawal
The decision has drawn mixed reactions. Republican lawmakers largely praised Trump’s move, arguing it demonstrated a commitment to law and order. Democratic officials, though, expressed concerns about potential safety risks and criticized Trump’s rhetoric.
“We appreciate the support the National Guard provided, but we believe that long-term solutions to crime require investment in community programs and addressing the root causes of violence, not simply relying on military presence,” stated a spokesperson for the Chicago mayor’s office.
Key Takeaways
* President Trump has withdrawn the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland.
* The decision is based on claims of reduced crime rates during the Guard’s deployment.
* The withdrawal is controversial, with differing opinions from political leaders and civil rights groups.
* Crime statistics show varying degrees of improvement in the three cities, but attributing this solely to the National Guard is complex.
Looking ahead
The long-term effects of the National Guard’s withdrawal remain to be seen. The situation will likely be closely monitored by both federal and local authorities, and the possibility of redeployment remains open should crime rates increase. The debate over the appropriate role of the National Guard in domestic law enforcement is expected to continue.
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