Donald Trump’s Legal Gambit in Chicago Draws Condemnation From Obama and City Officials

Former President Barack Obama has openly criticized President Donald Trump's recent aggressive rhetoric, particularly his demand to jail Chicago's mayor and Illinois' governor for opposing the deployment of National Guard troops. On Marc Maron's "WTF" podcast, Obama accused Trump of "politicizing the military," stating that using troops against civilians is "inherently corrupting."The remarks followed Trump’s attack on Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who faced his ire for resisting troop deployment. Trump asserted on social media that both should face arrest, a claim met with swift backlash from Johnson, who pointed to Trump's history of unjust threats against Black leaders, and Pritzker, who warned that such actions hint at authoritarianism.In retaliation, Johnson issued an executive order restricting ICE operations on city property, while Pritzker initiated legal actions against the administration’s troop mobilization, citing infringements on state sovereignty. Obama highlighted the historical limitations set by the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, stressing the importance of maintaining democratic principles.