Overview
- Mayor Brandon Johnson said turning over security for a 2028 convention to the Trump administration raises “profound” concerns shared by other local leaders.
- Gov. JB Pritzker called the bid early-stage and said the state must evaluate how the Secret Service and other agencies would coordinate with local police before fully committing.
- An editorial in the Chicago Tribune urged proceeding with the bid, arguing the city would not cede control of its security and pointing to the Secret Service’s record.
- Chicago received a $75 million federal grant for 2024 DNC security, and supporters cite expected economic gains, including Milwaukee’s reported $320 million RNC impact.
- Other cities are believed to be in contention—Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Las Vegas, and San Antonio—while potential United Center construction could complicate 2028 logistics.