Trump Threatens National Guard Deployment to San Francisco, Other Cities

President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy federal troops, including the National Guard, to San Francisco, accusing Democratic leadership of destroying the city and other major urban centers like Chicago and New York City. Trump claimed these cities suffer from high crime and dangerous streets, asserting his intent to "clean up" these areas, despite evidence to the contrary. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie rejected Trump's accusations, highlighting that crime rates have been declining steadily, with the city experiencing its lowest crime levels in decades and increased visitor activity. Data from the Council on Criminal Justice supports the mayor's position, showing a nationwide decrease in crime rates in large cities during the first half of 2025 compared to pre-pandemic figures. Legal experts have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of deploying federal troops outside Washington, D.C., without local government cooperation, underscoring the significant legal and political challenges such actions would face. Critics argue that Trump's rhetoric distorts facts about urban crime and undermines local Democratic leadership, while Trump continues to press for federal intervention in cities governed by Democrats.