Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is pushing back against President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to the city, sparking heated debate over how best to address a surge in violent crime.

In a controversial statement, Johnson said that “shootings will continue” as he criticized federal intervention and framed the move as political rather than practical. The remarks have fueled anger among residents and political observers, many of whom are demanding stronger leadership to address Chicago’s ongoing safety crisis.

Critics accuse Democrats of tolerating violence by resisting federal support. Trump and his allies argue that the National Guard is necessary to restore peace and protect families, while opponents of the plan say it undermines local control.

The backlash comes as Mayor Johnson’s approval rating reportedly sits at just 7 percent, reflecting growing frustration with his handling of crime and city governance.