Trump Orders National Guard Withdrawal from Chicago, LA, and Portland Amid Court Battles, Vows Swift Return
In a dramatic end-of-year announcement, President Donald Trump declared the withdrawal of National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, citing ongoing legal challenges but promising their rapid redeployment in the new year.[1][2]
Trump made the statement on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, framing the move as a temporary retreat despite what he described as significant crime reductions attributed to the troops’ presence. “We are removing the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, despite the fact that CRIME has been greatly reduced by having these great Patriots in those cities, and ONLY by that fact,” Trump wrote.[1]
Background of Controversial Deployments
The deployments stemmed from Trump’s aggressive response to protests against his immigration policies, particularly in Los Angeles. In June 2025, thousands of California National Guard members were sent to the city amid widespread demonstrations. However, the remaining troops were forced to withdraw earlier this month following orders from a district judge and the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.[1]
Similar attempts to deploy troops to Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, Illinois—both cities led by Democratic mayors—were blocked by lawsuits. One such case escalated to the US Supreme Court, which issued a decision last week upholding the blocks on these deployments.[1][2]
Critics have accused Trump of exaggerating crime statistics to justify the military presence in urban areas. Throughout the push, the president has circulated claims about soaring crime rates that independent analyses have disputed.[1]
Legal and Political Ramifications
The withdrawals mark a series of court losses for the administration, ending 2025 on a note of judicial pushback against what opponents call an overreach of federal power. Legal experts note that Trump’s strategy relied on invoking the Insurrection Act and other authorities to federalize state National Guard units without gubernatorial consent, a move that sparked fierce opposition from state leaders.[1]
In Los Angeles, the deployment was particularly contentious, tied directly to protests over immigration enforcement operations described by activists as “violent.” Portland and Chicago saw preemptive legal action that prevented boots from hitting the ground.[1]
Trump’s Pledge for Return
Despite the pullback, Trump left no doubt about his intentions. The announcement explicitly states that the National Guard “will come back,” signaling potential future confrontations with the judiciary or state governments.[1]
This comes amid broader tensions over Trump’s second-term agenda, including mass deportation plans that have reignited urban unrest. Supporters view the Guard deployments as necessary for public safety, while detractors label them authoritarian tactics.[1]
Reactions from Affected Cities
Officials in the three cities expressed relief at the withdrawals but wariness about future moves. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the deployments “an unnecessary escalation that eroded trust in law enforcement.” Portland’s leadership highlighted the Supreme Court ruling as a victory for local control.[1]
Chicago officials, who successfully litigated to block the troops, emphasized that local police were equipped to handle any issues without federal intervention.[1]
Broader Context and Implications
The episode underscores deepening divides over law enforcement and federal authority in Trump’s America. With crime debates raging—official statistics showing mixed trends in these cities—the political battle lines are drawn sharply.[1]
As 2026 begins, eyes are on whether Trump will pursue legislative changes to bolster his deployment powers or face more court fights. Analysts predict this could set precedents for handling urban protests and immigration enforcement nationwide.
The announcement also ties into Trump’s recent rhetoric on other cities, such as a controversial plan to deploy Guard to Memphis, decried as a “cruel intimidation tactic.”[1]
“A president desperate to be king.” – Critics on Trump’s troop strategy[1]
What’s Next?
While troops depart, the underlying tensions persist. Immigration protests continue in pockets, and Trump’s deportation push shows no signs of slowing. The withdrawal may be tactical, buying time for new legal avenues or political pressure on reluctant states.
Legal scholars warn of potential escalations, including appeals to expand executive powers under national emergency declarations. For now, the streets of Chicago, LA, and Portland breathe easier, but the “come back” promise looms large.
This story is developing. Updates will follow as reactions pour in from the White House, city halls, and the courts.