In a stunning escalation of political and legal tension, a Biden-appointed federal judge has given Donald Trump’s administration just 48 hours to defend its decision to send National Guard troops into Chicago. The move, challenged by Illinois’ Democratic leaders, sets up a dramatic courtroom showdown that could redefine presidential power.

As helicopters prepare to airlift 200 troops into the city, Illinois officials accuse Trump of using the military as a weapon of political revenge. The White House insists it’s about restoring order in “a war zone.” With a midnight Wednesday deadline and a Thursday hearing looming, America now waits to see whether the courts will stop Trump’s deployment — or cement his authority to send troops into U.S. cities.