Former President Barack Obama criticized President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Chicago to address rising crime, calling it “inherently corrupting” for the military to be used against its own citizens. Speaking on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast, Obama argued that Trump’s actions weaken democracy by politicizing the military.

Obama emphasized the violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits military use on domestic soil except during extraordinary emergencies. He condemned Trump’s characterization of ordinary street crime as equivalent to an insurrection or terrorist attack, describing it as a deliberate attempt to erode democratic norms.

Trump deployed 200 National Guard troops from Texas to Chicago last week, responding to a surge in shootings over Labor Day Weekend, which saw 58 people shot—an 87% increase from the previous year. Trump stated, “That’s not our country. We have to do something.”

However, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, both Democrats, opposed the federal intervention. They, along with other officials, filed a lawsuit to block the National Guard deployment.

Meanwhile, Chicago Democratic Alderman Ray Lopez supported Trump’s decision, arguing many residents want additional federal resources. Lopez criticized local leaders for their “abdication of responsibility” and urged for a return to sensible dialogue to improve public safety in Chicago.