Trump Eyes Crime Crackdown Expansion, Targeting Chicago & Boston/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump hinted at expanding federal crime crackdowns, raising speculation about new operations in major U.S. cities. At the same time, he announced plans to speak with Vladimir Putin as European officials arrive to discuss Russia sanctions. The developments come amid criticism of his domestic security strategies and approval rating struggles.
Trump Crime Crackdown & Sanctions Quick Looks
- Federal crime action: Trump suggests new crackdown in U.S. cities, possibly Chicago or Boston.
- Putin call incoming: Trump says he will speak to Russian President Putin “very soon.”
- EU visit planned: European officials headed to Washington to address Russia sanctions policy.
- Ukraine war escalation: Russia launched largest air assault of the war over the weekend.
- Crime in spotlight: Trump condemns fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee in North Carolina.
- Immigration raids: SCOTUS allows Trump’s immigration patrols in California to continue.
- Chicago tensions: Trump criticizes Gov. Pritzker for rejecting federal assistance.
- Smithsonian influence: Trump claims role in altering museum content to show “positivity.”
- Public school prayer: New federal guidance on religious expression in schools announced.
- Poll backlash: Majority of Americans disapprove of Trump’s National Guard deployments.
Deep Look: Trump Hints at Federal Crime Expansion and Eyes Shift in Russia Sanctions Amid Global Tensions
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2025 — President Donald Trump is signaling an expansion of federal crime crackdowns in U.S. cities, even as diplomatic tensions rise with Russia and Europe. On Monday, Trump teased further action in crime-plagued regions and said he would soon speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as European Union officials prepare to visit Washington to discuss potential sanctions over Russia’s escalating military actions in Ukraine.
“We turned Washington, D.C. into a safe zone in weeks,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Who’s Next???”
The statement follows Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and federal forces to the capital city earlier this year—a move that sparked national debate and divided public opinion. With speculation swirling, sources close to the administration say Chicago and Boston are being seriously considered for similar interventions, particularly in light of their Democratic leadership and sanctuary city policies.
EU Visit and Ukraine Conflict Front and Center
As Russia intensifies its assault on Ukraine—including what analysts describe as its largest air attack since the war began—President Trump’s position on sanctions appears to be shifting. While the U.S. had supported strict economic penalties against Russia, Trump’s statement Monday hinted at openness to relaxing them after his planned discussion with Putin.
European Union officials are scheduled to arrive in Washington later this week to express concerns over any U.S. policy reversal. The coordinated sanctions regime between the EU and the U.S. has been a cornerstone of Western support for Ukraine, and any cracks in that alliance could have major geopolitical consequences.
Domestic Crime and Immigration Enforcement Ramp Up
Domestically, Trump continued to criticize crime in major U.S. cities, using recent events to justify further federal intervention. He condemned the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee in Charlotte, North Carolina, calling the attacker a “madman” and describing the surveillance video as “horrible.”
“When you have horrible killings, you have to take horrible actions,” Trump said, pledging swift justice and more federal oversight.
The Supreme Court on Monday also ruled in favor of the Trump administration’s immigration strategy, allowing controversial roving patrols to continue in Southern California. The patrols had been blocked by lower courts, citing potential violations of the 4th Amendment. Critics say the tactic targets individuals based on race or language and risks detaining U.S. citizens. The Court’s ruling came without explanation, over dissent from the three liberal justices.
Chicago in the Crosshairs
Trump’s criticism of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker intensified as the president pointed to rising violence in Chicago. On Truth Social, Trump highlighted recent shootings and accused Pritzker of turning down federal help.
“Only the criminals will be hurt” by federal enforcement, Trump claimed, as he threatened to bring the “Department of WAR” to Chicago, referencing a meme he posted over the weekend portraying himself as a military commander. Meanwhile, officials privately confirmed to CNN that ICE operations in Chicago and Boston are already underway and modeled after summer crackdowns in Los Angeles.
Cultural Influence and Religious Liberty
In addition to law enforcement, Trump continues pushing conservative culture reforms. Speaking at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, he shared that his administration was “getting involved” with Smithsonian museums, claiming they presented too negative a view of American history.
“I said, ‘What about the good things we’ve done?’” Trump told a crowd gathered for a Religious Liberty Commission meeting, suggesting the Smithsonian is making “big changes” under his watch.
Trump also pledged new guidance to protect prayer in public schools, citing a Texas incident where a student was prevented from organizing group prayer for an injured classmate. The Department of Education is expected to formalize this initiative in the coming weeks.
As part of a broader religious initiative, Trump announced a program titled “America Prays,” encouraging weekly group prayer across the country in honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
Polls Show Public Divided
Despite Trump’s aggressive federal interventions, recent polling shows most Americans disapprove of deploying the National Guard to combat city crime. According to a CBS News/YouGov poll, 57% of Americans oppose deploying troops to Washington, D.C., while 61% say they would oppose such action in their own city. An NBC News poll also shows Trump’s approval rating stagnating around 43%.
The public remains sharply divided, with independents leaning against Trump’s crime policies. While some applaud his tough-on-crime stance, others view the moves as politically motivated.
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