In February, shortly after Donald Trump assumed the presidency, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson communicated with 27th Ward Ald. Walter Burnett, who serves as Johnson’s vice mayor and a vital ally in the City Council.
Burnett expressed optimism that Trump’s presence would unify fractious Democrats in Chicago, suggesting that the perceived threat from Trump could potentially help unpopular progressives, including Mayor Johnson himself.
This perspective, reported by the Tribune, resonates with numerous individuals on the left who believe that the public might reevaluate progressive policies amidst the political chaos in Washington, D.C.
While this sentiment is understandable, it may misinterpret the current political climate.
Progressives, led by Mayor Johnson, could arrive at an erroneous conclusion if they believe that public fears regarding Trump’s retribution, revived recently in a Truth Social post where he threatened to withhold federal funding from “sanctuary cities,” will suddenly make the city’s mismanagement under Johnson appear more favorable by comparison.
Regrettably, there is little indication of any strategic adjustments from this ideologically rigid mayor.
Last week, Johnson’s administration projected a daunting city budget deficit of $1.12 billion for 2026.
In a commitment to improving the situation, Johnson pledged to engage with aldermen on solutions earlier this year, rather than the chaotic budget discussions typical of late 2024.
However, he continues to dismiss the idea of budget cuts as part of any strategy.
In a tired refrain, he stated in a message to aldermen that “the conversation cannot start off with cuts,” insisting on his pursuit of “progressive revenue” sources instead.
Recent plans regarding the Johnson administration’s proposal to issue $830 million in general obligation bonds, which the City Council approved amid considerable debate in late February, have remained largely unaddressed.
Given the tumultuous state of the market, where significantly higher interest rates are anticipated than what Johnson’s financial team had projected a few months prior, it would be prudent for him to postpone those plans for a much later date.
Moreover, reckless financial decisions pressured upon the Chicago Public Schools by the administration have likely further eroded investors’ and analysts’ confidence in the city’s financial standing.
In light of federal funding anticipated to be slashed for a city already facing issues with mounting debt, additional spending and borrowing amid these developments would be irresponsible.
Further indications suggest that progressive policy initiatives are not gaining traction due to the so-called Trumpian shockwaves from Washington, D.C.
For instance, the City Council’s Finance Committee recently voted against a proposed $1.25 million settlement regarding a lawsuit from the family of Dexter Reed, a man shot dead by police last year after he opened fire on tactical officers who had stopped his car in Humboldt Park.
Earlier this February, this page expressed a call for the council to reject the settlement, as it would send a concerning signal regarding law enforcement’s safety and resilience.
Over a month later, aldermen made the commendable decision to support law enforcement personnel who risk their lives daily to ensure Chicagoans’ safety.
Additionally, in Springfield, the House defeated a bill that sought to allow resentencing for over 1,000 individuals convicted of serious crimes like murder when they were 20 years old or younger, now serving lengthy prison sentences.
This 51-49 vote was notable, especially given that Democrats hold nearly two-thirds of the seats in the chamber.
Considering House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s informal rule that no legislation will be considered unless backed by at least 60 of the 78 House Democrats, the defeat was illuminating.
Twelve Democrats chose not to cast votes, with it likely they would have voted no.
Additionally, two members voted present, while 14 Democrats recorded a “no” vote.
This measure might have passed a few years earlier, but public sentiment has shifted against previous criminal justice reforms, often blamed—fairly or not—for rising violent crime levels.
Even more liberal Democrats are taking notice of this shift.
Thus, the belief that public disdain for Trump will translate into voters overlooking the city’s mismanagement under Mayor Johnson is miscalculated.
Despite Trump’s continued unpopularity in Chicago, it does not imply voters will suddenly reassess the ineffectual management of the city.
There are still progressives in Chicago who support Johnson’s ambitious agenda.
Additionally, a notable minority within the city remains supportive of Trump, a fact often overlooked.
In the middle lies a vast center-left and center-right segment, largely unrepresented by the current political climate.
Aldermen and state legislators are increasingly recognizing this reality.
The question remains: How will you respond, Mr. Mayor?
image source from：https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/13/editorial-donald-trump-brandon-johnson-popularity/
