A Chicago priest publicly criticized President Donald Trump after the president commented on a violent weekend in the city that left six people dead and dozens more injured, reigniting a debate over crime policy, federal intervention, and funding for violence prevention programs, as reported by Fox News.
The dispute followed a weekend in which Chicago recorded 24 separate shootings between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday, according to the Chicago Police Department. Authorities reported 39 shooting victims, including six fatalities.
Trump addressed the violence in a post on Truth Social Sunday, arguing that federal assistance could quickly reduce crime in the city.
“Lots of Killing going on in Chicago. 22 people shot, at least 4 Dead,” Trump wrote.
“Why isn’t Governor Pritzker calling me for help. I could make Chicago a safe City in ONE MONTH, in ONE YEAR, it would be one of the safest!!! D.C. went from one of the worst to one of the safest cities in the U.S., President DJT.”
Trump’s comments came amid continuing criticism of crime levels in Chicago and his previous calls for stronger federal involvement in public safety efforts.
On Monday, Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Catholic Church on Chicago’s South Side responded to the president’s remarks during a gathering of community leaders and local officials.
“I hear this morning on the news that Donald Trump said he wants to send people,” Pfleger said.
“He’ll solve the gun violence in a month. First of all, the man lies every day.”
Pfleger also criticized Trump over other issues before turning to violence prevention funding.
“The reflecting pool was good for 50 years,” Pfleger added.
“And Iran was going to be solved in a month. Shut up, Donald. Just send money and restore the money you took away from gun violence prevention for the city of Chicago and across this country. Give the money back now.”
The comments came as community organizations, faith leaders, and city officials gathered at Chicago City Hall to support the creation of a Department of Gun Violence Prevention.
According to local reports, the proposed agency would focus exclusively on coordinating anti-violence initiatives and developing strategies aimed at reducing shootings throughout the city.
Supporters of the proposal argued that a dedicated department would improve coordination among existing violence prevention programs and community organizations.
The debate also highlighted broader disagreements between Chicago officials and the Trump administration over how best to address crime.
State and local leaders have generally favored increased investment in community-based programs, while Trump and his allies have advocated for more aggressive law enforcement measures and, at times, federal involvement.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended the administration’s approach in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“President Trump’s bold actions in cities like D.C. and Memphis have dramatically reduced violent crime – local Democrat leaders in Chicago should see the President’s incredible results and be begging him to do the same in Chicago,” Jackson said.
“Chicago residents and visitors would benefit tremendously from the President’s successful efforts to drive down crime and make American cities safe again.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also weighed in Monday, criticizing the administration’s policies and calling for additional investment in urban communities.
Johnson said he wished Trump would “follow Chicago’s lead and invest in Black America.”
The mayor argued that federal cuts to various programs have undermined efforts to improve public safety.
“It’s unfortunate that this president has worked overtime to literally defund the efforts that create safer communities,” Johnson said.
“If you look at Donald Trump’s Black agenda, he promises to do all the things that I’m doing, but he’s failed to do it,” the mayor added, referring to hiring more young people, expanding mental health services, and increasing affordable housing initiatives.
The exchange underscores continuing tensions between Chicago leaders and the Trump administration as officials debate the causes of violent crime and the most effective strategies for reducing it.
With city leaders pushing for additional prevention programs and the White House pointing to law-enforcement-based approaches, the discussion is likely to continue as Chicago confronts ongoing public safety challenges.
