Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke declined in August to sign a county statement denouncing President Donald Trump, according to a Sun-Times report. Burke’s spokesman said her office wanted to “maintain” its “excellent working relationships” with federal law enforcement partners while focusing on fighting illegal guns.
The issue highlights the tension between political statements and the practical need for cooperation among local and federal agencies. In Chicago, where violent crime remains a pressing concern, some see professional collaboration as more important than joining partisan efforts.
According to the Sun-Times, coalition lawyers are now using an August 11 email from Burke’s office as evidence of a possible “conflict of interest.” They argue that because Burke prioritized working relationships with federal officials, she should not oversee investigations involving those same agencies. The coalition is seeking the appointment of a special prosecutor for cases related to Operation Midway Blitz.
Burke’s office has previously promoted its partnerships with federal and state agencies as part of its strategy against illegal firearms. This includes rejoining the Crime Gun Intelligence Center and forming a Regional Gun Crimes Task Force. Federal agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have also stressed multilevel partnerships in addressing gun violence in Chicago.
Despite criticism from some Democratic leaders who view any cooperation with Trump administration officials negatively, Burke has taken public positions critical of certain federal actions. Her office described alleged misconduct by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents as “thuggish and inappropriate,” called one special prosecutor petition “frivolous,” and filed legal briefs opposing National Guard deployment in Chicago. WTTW reported earlier this year on policy changes under Burke regarding possible charges against federal agents accused of violent crimes.
The coalition pushing for a special prosecutor includes over 200 elected officials, clergy members, journalists—including representatives from the Sun-Times—and attorneys. Observers say this reflects broader divisions within Chicago politics over how much emphasis should be placed on partisan activism versus day-to-day governance focused on public safety.
