Chicago, Illinois, USA: A new measure introduced in Congress aims to stop any U.S. president from sending the National Guard into a state without its governor’s consent.
Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Indian American lawmaker, has put forward legislation to curb presidential authority over the National Guard.
The proposal, named the “Stop Trump’s Abuse of Power Act,” seeks to amend the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). If passed, it would bar presidents from federalizing state Guard units or deploying active-duty forces in a state or territory unless the request comes directly from its elected officials.
Krishnamoorthi’s move comes in response to former President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to send troops into Chicago, following earlier deployments to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. He partnered with Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) to introduce the measure.
According to the lawmakers, the amendment is intended to protect the constitutional balance of power and prevent the misuse of the military for political purposes inside the country.
Krishnamoorthi, a vocal critic of Trump, stressed that Illinois faces no emergency that would justify outside intervention. “There is no crisis here that warrants federalizing our Guard or deploying active-duty troops into our neighborhoods,” he said, warning that such actions would only “fuel unrest and create unnecessary drama.”
At a press briefing, the Democrat emphasized that the legislation defends democratic norms and local governance. “To place Guard members in any state, there must be consent from its governor or local executive — not a unilateral presidential order,” he said. He further argued that the Guard, made up of everyday citizens, should not be turned into a “paramilitary tool or secret police force” at the president’s disposal.
Trump has frequently cited crime and immigration to justify his threats toward Chicago. Just last month, he shared an image online portraying the city as a war zone — a move that drew sharp condemnation from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who called him a “wannabe dictator.” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also pledged to resist any unauthorized troop deployment.
Previously, Trump sent forces into Los Angeles without a formal request, a decision already challenged in court. A federal judge in California ruled the action violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the use of the military in domestic law enforcement.
The controversy has gained national attention, particularly as violent crime in Chicago has actually declined in 2025, consistent with broader trends across U.S. cities.
Critics argue that Trump’s threats serve more as political posturing than a real public safety strategy. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed most Americans are uncomfortable with presidents using the military for domestic policing.
The amendment now heads to the House Rules Committee, which will decide whether it proceeds to a vote in the House chamber.
