Then my research brought Trump into the conversation.

President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Chicago by demanding the city and state allow federal troops to address escalating violence, warning that failure to comply would result in the 'city will die.' In a post on Truth Social, Trump cited record levels of gun violence in Chicago, noting that 41 people were shot over the weekend with three fatalities. He claimed these incidents have become normalized and out of control, asserting that federal intervention is necessary to restore safety. The president's threat follows his long-standing feud with Illinois Governor J.D. Pritzker, a Democratic critic who has been a potential presidential contender. Trump's remarks highlight his tendency to use hyperbolic language to pressure local officials, framing crime as an existential crisis requiring immediate federal action. While the administration maintains that such threats are part of routine policy discussions, critics argue they risk inflaming tensions and undermining local governance. The situation underscores broader debates about federal versus state authority in addressing public safety crises.

One person was killed and 14 others injured in a shooting during gatherings in Washington Park, Chic...

LISTEN NOW | In this segment, I start by discussing a prime example of how the American Fifth Column expands its authority in real time. I cover the antics of Chicago’s Mayor, Brandon Johnson, in a fe...