President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on May 31, 2026, calling Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson "useless" while also stating that Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons [1, 2].
Mayor Johnson had recently returned from a Vatican trip on May 28, where he met Pope Leo XIV and described the meeting as an honor in a social media post on May 29 [1, 2]. Johnson led a Chicago delegation that included attorney Antonio Romanucci and asked Pope Leo XIV to support reparations for descendants of African American slaves during the visit [2].
Trump and Pope Leo XIV have had ongoing tensions for months, particularly around issues including immigration policies and U.S. foreign policy matters [2]. Johnson's office responded to Trump's comments by criticizing the former president's policies related to Iran and their economic impact on working families in the U.S. [2].
The public exchange highlights continuing political clashes involving Trump, Chicago's mayor, and broader policy debates on nuclear weapons and social justice. No further meetings or discussions have been announced following these latest statements.
