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Chicago Mayor Criticizes President-Elect Trump, Calls Him A ‘Threat to Everything That Is Sensible’
Charlie Kirk Staff
11/21/2024
Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson did not hold back in his criticism of President-elect Donald Trump, labeling him a “threat to everything that is sensible” during remarks on Tuesday.
Johnson accused Trump of intending to dismantle public education and fostering “upheaval and chaos,” while also addressing the incoming administration’s stance on immigration and sanctuary cities.
Johnson acknowledged the challenges facing the nation’s immigration policies, calling on Trump to legislate rather than make threats.
“We’re still a welcoming city. That did not change on Nov. 5, and it doesn’t change based upon who’s in the White House and whether you are seeking refuge from Central South America or the continent of Africa,” Johnson said. “This country has to remain a welcoming space for new arrivals and for immigrants.”
The mayor urged the president-elect to work with Congress to pass “sensible” immigration legislation, suggesting measures such as increased border patrol resources and additional judges to handle asylum cases efficiently. However, Johnson accused Trump of pursuing policies designed to create instability.
“He wants to create a structure in a system where there is upheaval and chaos,” Johnson claimed. Turning his attention to education, he added, “He wants to dismantle public education, a system that was built by descendants of slaves, particularly in the South. He is a threat to everything that is sensible.”
Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition team, responded to Johnson’s comments, telling Fox News Digital, “No policy should be deemed official unless it comes directly from President Trump. The American people re-elected President Trump by a resounding margin, giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail. He will deliver.”
Despite these assurances, Johnson continued to criticize the incoming administration, positioning himself and the city of Chicago in opposition.
“If he wants to work with us, he’ll have a partner,” Johnson said. “But if he wants to come and threaten us, then he has declared opposition to us.”
Johnson’s comments follow a previous statement in which he claimed Trump poses a threat not just to undocumented individuals but also to Black families.
“His threat is not just towards new arrivals and undocumented families. His threats are also against Black families,” Johnson said during a news conference last week. “We’re going to protect undocumented individuals. We’re going to protect Black folks, Brown folks, Asian folks. The City of Chicago will be better, stronger, and safer despite who’s in the White House.”
The mayor’s remarks come amidst growing frustration among Chicago residents over city policies that allocate taxpayer resources to benefit illegal immigrants, even as the city struggles with escalating crime rates.
