Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday sharply criticized the current state of the United States under President Donald Trump, comparing it to a nation where the Confederacy had prevailed in the Civil War.
The mayor’s remarks centered on what he described as authoritarian federal overreach threatening constitutional rights, particularly those enshrined in the First Amendment.
“This is not about policy; it’s about power,” Johnson stated. “We have a president who shows complete disregard for our Constitution.”
He further described Trump as a “miserable disappointment and a failure,” accusing him of exploiting federal authority to suppress dissent.
The briefing followed heightened tensions in Chicago, where protests erupted on Tuesday in response to increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the city. Two separate demonstrations merged into a larger gathering, with Chicago Police reporting 17 arrests.
Johnson emphasized that the “vast majority” of protesters have been “peaceful and organized,” warning that isolated violent acts “play into the hands of authoritarians like Donald Trump, who seize opportunities to repress all protesters.”
A notable incident occurred when a driver plowed through a crowd of protesters, injuring a 66-year-old woman who sustained a broken left arm. The driver fled before the police could intervene.
Addressing the impact of intensified ICE operations, Johnson said Chicagoans are “absolutely terrified,” equating the situation to “what terrorism looks like.”
“There should be no question about what our country would look like had the Confederacy won. This is the federal government imposing its will without checks and balances,” Johnson said.
Johnson criticized the lack of opposition from other branches of government, claiming “only one branch of government right now.
“[Trump] has taken over the courts, Congress remains silent, and people are terrified,” Johnson said.
He specifically called out House Speaker Mike Johnson for failing to challenge the administration’s actions.
The mayor’s comments come amid broader unrest, including ongoing protests in Los Angeles and Trump’s controversial decision on Tuesday to rename several military bases after Confederate generals. Despite these challenges, Johnson vowed that Chicago would stand firm in upholding constitutional principles. “We will remain resolute in protecting what is fundamental to our existence—ensuring the Constitution is upheld,” he declared.
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Author: JBaron
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