WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he will direct federal law enforcement intervention to combat crime in Chicago and Baltimore, despite staunch opposition from state and local officials in both cities. Asked Tuesday by reporters in the Oval Office about sending National Guard troops to Chicago, Trump said, “We’re going in,” but added, “I didn’t say when.” He added: “I have an obligation. This isn’t a political thing.” Trump has already sent National Guard troops into Washington and federalized the police force in the nation’s capital. More recently, he has said he plans similar moves in other cities, particularly those run by Democratic officials.… Continue Reading

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration is taking control of Washington’s Union Station from Amtrak, marking another federal intervention in the nation’s capital. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the move Wednesday during the launch of the NextGen Acela high-speed train. Duffy says Union Station has “fallen into disrepair” when it should be a “point of pride” for the city, where Trump’s Republican administration has increased federal law and immigration enforcement. Duffy echoes Trump’s call for $2 billion from Congress to beautify Washington as part of his crackdown on the city. National Guard troops have been patrolling Union Station, which is walking distance from the Capitol.… Continue Reading