Mayor Brandon Johnson faced intense criticism from Chicago residents during a fiery City Council meeting where his proposed $300 million property tax hike was unanimously rejected by all 50 council members. The symbolic vote, which comes as negotiations for alternative funding sources continue, highlighted growing frustration over Johnson’s policies, particularly his use of taxpayer money to assist the city’s surging migrant population.
Residents, many of whom wore MAGA gear in support of President-elect Donald Trump, took turns addressing the council and the mayor, criticizing rising taxes and accusing Johnson of prioritizing illegal immigrants over the needs of Chicagoans. Tyjuan Sims, a local resident, directed his anger at Johnson, saying, “You’re going to protect the undocumented while allowing the citizens in Chicago to suffer.”
Johnson had argued that the tax hike was necessary to close Chicago’s nearly $1 billion budget gap and prevent layoffs of essential workers, including police officers and firefighters. However, residents and council members alike pushed back, citing fiscal mismanagement and frustration with the allocation of funds to support over 35,000 migrants who have arrived in the city and its suburbs in the past year and a half.
During the meeting, residents lambasted Johnson for his leadership, with some pointing to his dismal approval ratings, which a recent Change Research poll placed at just 14 percent. Jessica Jackson, dressed in all red, called Johnson a “schoolyard bully” and warned, “At some point, that bully gets cornered. And he ain’t gonna have nobody to help him. That’s you!”
Another resident, Mrs. Lawrence, wearing a “Make America Godly Again” shirt, criticized the mayor for proposing a property tax increase while homeowners already face rising costs. “Get rid of the illegals! And that will take your money right back,” she shouted.
Dennis White, another resident, highlighted shifting political dynamics in Illinois, declaring, “Illinois is turning purple. We gonna turn red.” He noted that Trump’s growing support in the state reflects dissatisfaction with local Democratic leadership.
The property tax hike proposal came amid mounting criticism of Johnson’s handling of city finances, particularly the hundreds of millions spent on housing and supporting migrants. In February, similar frustrations boiled over during a council meeting when residents expressed anger over spending priorities, with one stating, “They’re junking up our country… We’re going to get them out of our communities because they don’t deserve to be there.”
Despite the backlash, Johnson has stood by his proposals, arguing that tough measures are needed to address the city’s financial challenges. His office has not yet commented on the council’s rejection or the sharp criticism leveled at him during the meeting.
The unanimous council vote and the outpouring of public frustration underscore deep divisions within the city as residents grapple with rising costs, crime, and controversial policies. With Trump’s presidency on the horizon, many Chicagoans believe federal leadership could shift the city’s political landscape and challenge Johnson’s approach to governance.
Sources:
- Reuters
- The Chicago Sun-Times
- The Center Square
- Change Research Poll (November 2024)
