President Trump is willing to direct additional federal aid to Chicago to deal with the city’s rising crime rate if city and state officials request it, the White House said Wednesday.
“What he wants to do is provide the resources of the federal government,” spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters at the daily press briefing.
Trump in a tweet Tuesday night had threatened to “send in the feds” if city officials and law enforcement are unable to get violent shootings under control.
“It can be aid if it was requested up through the governor, but there’s other aid that can be extended as well,” he said. “That will ensure that the people of Chicago have the resources to feel safe.”
Spicer also said the administration will “hopefully” begin talks with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to discuss what the city can do to address issues related to crime.
He noted that Trump had already met with Emanuel during the transition process but that the two had not spoken immediately before Trump tweeted Tuesday night.
