Trump says US military may or may not deploy to Chicago

U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during the signing of executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 25, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the U.S. military might deploy to Chicago and is ready to go anywhere on short notice to crack down on crime.

Citing a purported wave of lawlessness, Trump seized control this month of the police force in Washington, D.C., and is allowing National Guard troops to carry weapons while on patrol in the city. He has threatened to expand the U.S. military presence to Democrat-controlled cities like Baltimore and Chicago.