Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have recently faced scrutiny for their response to the ongoing violent crime in Chicago. Both officials have publicly dismissed proposals involving federal intervention, including the deployment of resources by former President Donald Trump to address the city’s crime rates.
The debate intensified when Joe Scarborough, host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” commented on the situation. During a recent broadcast, Scarborough addressed Pritzker directly, urging him to reconsider his stance and collaborate with Trump on measures to reduce crime in Chicago.
“I actually think that JB Pritzker should do something radical,” Scarborough said. “I think he should pick up the phone, call the president, and say, ‘You know, and I know you don’t have the constitutional authority to deploy the National Guard here and to police my [city]. You can do that in D.C. You can’t do that in Chicago. But let’s partner up.’”
Scarborough acknowledged legal limitations regarding presidential authority over local law enforcement but suggested cooperation between state and federal governments could be beneficial.
On social media platforms like Twitter/X, clips from Scarborough’s segment were shared widely. In one such clip, Scarborough criticized Democratic leaders for their handling of public safety during a particularly violent Labor Day weekend in Chicago: “I think JB Pritzker should do something radical: He should pick up the phone and call the President because the ‘nothing to see here’ move isn’t working.”
Governor Pritzker has previously characterized Trump’s suggestions as “a dangerous power grab,” while Trump has maintained that increased federal involvement is necessary due to persistent violence in Chicago.
The discussion comes amid continued concern about gun violence and homicides within city limits. Over recent weeks, there have been multiple reports of shootings resulting in fatalities across different neighborhoods.
