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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sharply criticized President Donald Trump on Tuesday after the president accused Chicago leaders of failing to control violent crime.
During a September 1, 2026, press briefing, Johnson called Trump a “sorry individual” and rejected the president’s description of Chicago as a city where violence is out of control.
Trump had called on Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker to seek federal help following a violent Labor Day weekend in Chicago. Trump said 41 people were shot and three were killed during the weekend.
Johnson Responds to Trump
Johnson strongly disputed Trump's criticism and defended the city's approach to reducing violent crime.
The mayor pointed to federal funding decisions under the Trump administration. Johnson said the administration removed more than $800 million from programs designed to reduce gun violence and cut funding for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives by 30%.
Johnson argued that the federal government should provide more resources to cities rather than criticize local officials after violent incidents.
For more coverage of Johnson's response, watch WGN News' report on the mayor's remarks.
Debate Over Federal Intervention
Trump has repeatedly called for stronger federal involvement in Chicago's public safety response.
Johnson rejected the idea of federal troops or National Guard forces being deployed to the city. He argued that such an approach could create additional instability rather than address the causes of violent crime.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has also rejected Trump's call for federal intervention.
The disagreement comes after a particularly violent weekend in Chicago. The city's Washington Park neighborhood was the scene of a mass shooting Saturday night that left one person dead and 13 others wounded, according to updated reports.
Police said the shooting happened during a large gathering in the area. Investigators believe multiple people may have been involved, and no suspects had been publicly announced as being in custody.
Johnson Disputes Crime Claims
Johnson also challenged Trump's claim that Chicago's crime is at record levels.
The mayor said city data shows significant progress in reducing violence. According to figures cited by Johnson, the number of murders has fallen by about 33% since 2023.
Johnson also pointed to a decline in shooting incidents compared with previous years.
However, the recent shootings have renewed concerns about public safety in Chicago and placed additional pressure on city officials.
The political disagreement has also focused attention on whether federal intervention would improve Chicago's response to violent crime.
What Happens Next
Chicago officials are continuing to respond to the victims and families affected by the Washington Park shooting.
The city opened an emergency assistance center Tuesday to provide support following the weekend violence.
Meanwhile, Johnson and Pritzker continue to oppose Trump's proposal for federal intervention. Trump has maintained that Chicago needs additional federal assistance and has said he is awaiting a request from Illinois leaders.
The dispute between the White House and Chicago officials is expected to continue as investigators work to identify those responsible for the recent shootings and city leaders address ongoing concerns about violent crime.
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