US President Donald Trump has authorised the deployment of 300 National Guard troops to Chicago to protect federal officers and assets.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson confirmed that the president authorised using the Illinois National Guard members, citing what she called "ongoing violent riots and lawlessness" that local leaders have not quelled.

"President Trump will not turn a blind eye to the lawlessness plaguing American cities," Jackson said.

Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, said the guard received notice from the Pentagon early in the day.

He called the move unnecessary and "a manufactured performance — not a serious effort to protect public safety".

"This morning, the Trump Administration's Department of War gave me an ultimatum: call up your troops, or we will," Pr

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