President Donald Trump on Friday said that New York City could be the next target of an intensified federal crime crackdown. He signaled this expansion after mobilizing a forceful response in Washington, D.C., and naming Chicago as the likely follow-up.
Federal Power Poised to Expand
Trump praised the National Guard’s partnership with local authorities in D.C. He said, “I really am honored that the National Guard has done such an incredible job working with the police.” Still, he added, “we haven’t had to bring in the regular military, which we’re willing to do if we have to.”
He described Chicago as “a mess,” and deemed it the next city warranting federal involvement. “We’ll straighten that one out probably next,” he said. “And then we’ll help with New York.”
Moreover, Trump’s suggestion of deploying the “regular military” raised constitutional questions under the Posse Comitatus Act. That law restricts such use of military forces without clear legal authorization.
Local Officials Push Back
New York leaders quickly rejected the idea. While crime has fallen, Trump argued the city still needs “a clean-up.” He said, “New York has a problem… We’re not going to let it happen.”
The move follows earlier federal action in Washington, D.C., where Trump assumed control over the local police force. He also deployed roughly 2,000 National Guard troops there—and armed them, reversing prior guidance.
Legal experts questioned the legality of extending such federal control beyond D.C., noting its unique statutory framework under the Home Rule Act. New York and other cities lack that authority.
Democratic leaders in cities like Chicago and New York have cited declining crime rates and condemned what they view as “authoritarian overreach.” They noted that such measures lack community support.
In D.C., the aggressive federal intervention drew backlash too. Critics said it politicized public safety, eroded trust, and risked undermining local governance.