Pritzker is a potential Democratic presidential hopeful. His party is pining for someone to show defiance to Trump. And since one of his possible rivals for the 2028 Democratic nomination, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, is leading the fight back, it’s good politics to show he’s just as tough.

Flanked by Illinois Democrats, community advocates, business leaders and clergy, Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson were unified in voicing that federal troops are not welcome or needed in Chicago.

If Trump sends the National Guard into cities without the consent of governors, state leaders would be able to file court challenges, as California Governor Gavin Newsom did to block Trump from federalizing the National Guard to quell protests and riots over his immigration policy in Los Angeles earlier this summer, Banks said.