1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

Donald Trump is levying war against an American city. The Constitution defines this as an act of treason. Trump’s “Chipocalypse Now” post was not satire or bluster. It was a declaration of intent to use the power of the federal government against U.S. citizens and local governments who defy him. This is authoritarianism, plain and simple. The threat is also baseless. Crime in Chicago has been dropping sharply. Local leaders have resisted: Governor J.B. Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson and thousands of Chicagoans have protested in defiance, even as community events were canceled under pressure. Congress cannot treat this as political theater. When a president declares war on his own people, silence is complicity. I urge you to: • Hold hearings immediately to expose Trump’s threats as unconstitutional and potentially treasonous, affirming the principle that no president can wield war powers against the states or their people. • Legislate strict limits on the use of federal forces and immigration agencies in domestic political disputes. • Protect sanctuary jurisdictions from federal overreach and retaliation. This is bigger than Chicago. If Trump succeeds here, every city, every state, and every community is at risk. Congress must act now to defend us and stop Trump from levying war against our country.