Part 4/7:
A critical development in the legal landscape was a recent federal court decision affirming that President Trump cannot legally send the National Guard into Illinois without the governor’s approval. Pritzker has emphasized that inviting federal troops without state approval would be legally invalid and could undermine the state's legal position.
President Trump, on his part, has indicated he wishes Pritzker would personally request federal assistance. In a statement from the Oval Office, Trump mentioned that he wishes Pritzker "would call him to request the help," implying that such a request would legitimize the federal actions under law. Pritzker has responded firmly, stating he will not make such a request, underscoring his commitment to legal procedures and state sovereignty.