On December 31, 2025, at 5:14 p.m. EST, former President Donald Trump took to social media to share significant news regarding the National Guard's presence in key urban areas. He revealed that he is pulling the National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, Oregon. This decision comes after the National Guard had already been deployed in a limited capacity due to ongoing legal challenges from the states involved.
The deployment of the National Guard in these cities has been a contentious issue. In recent months, local governments in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland had filed lawsuits aiming to block the deployment of these troops. The states argued that the presence of the National Guard was unnecessary and infringed upon local governance. Despite this legal backdrop, the limited presence of the National Guard was intended to address rising concerns over public safety and crime rates in the regions.
In his social media post, Trump expressed his belief that the decision to withdraw the National Guard could lead to an increase in crime. He stated, “We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again - Only a question of time!” This statement underscores his perspective that the potential for escalating crime necessitates a strong law enforcement presence, which he believes could be reestablished in the future if needed.
The withdrawal of the National Guard raises questions about the future of public safety in these major cities. Local leaders and residents are now left to navigate the potential implications of this decision. With crime rates fluctuating and community safety at the forefront of public discourse, the absence of the National Guard may have significant ramifications for law enforcement strategies in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland.
As the situation develops, many will be watching closely to see how these cities cope without the National Guard's support. The dialogue surrounding law enforcement, community safety, and crime prevention will undoubtedly continue to evolve. The upcoming months may reveal whether Trump's prediction of rising crime holds true and if the National Guard will be called back to these urban areas in a more robust capacity.