Illinois Senator Dick Durbin weighs in on President Trump's 2nd week in office: Executive orders, DC plane crash, ICE raids, more
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — From a barrage of executive orders to a midair disaster, the second week of President Donald Trump’s second term has been fast-changing and tragic for the country. Illinois’ senior Senator Dick Durbin weighed in on the chaotic days.

The fear of ICE and deportation continues to permeate Little Village. Compared to this time last year, some businesses said they are experience a 50%-60% loss in business since Trump took office almost two weeks ago.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“Fifty to 60% is dramatic. You can’t keep your workforce in place to get that kind of a loss. So, I do not rule out the possibility of helping these businesses. They’re an important part of our future,” Sen. Durbin said.

Durbin joined Latino lawmakers and community leaders at Nuevo Leon restaurant to urge legal residents outside of Little Village to eat and shop here.

“That is the best thing we can do right now, is count on those who have the ability to come here safely and support us,” said Jennifer Aguilar, Little Village Corridor executive director.

MORE COVERAGE: ICE makes arrests in Chicago, suburbs as part of nationwide immigration raids

Senator Durbin and other Illinois lawmakers returned home after a chaotic week in Washington that started with an executive order from Trump to freeze all federal funding which was promptly subject to a lawsuit from multiple state attorneys general, including Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and then was rescinded the next day. It was formally blocked by a federal judge on Friday. Even Republicans were not on board.

“They went about it probably not the best approach,” said U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL 16). ” I think they realized there were real ramifications.”

But with a $36 trillion deficit, Republicans do support cutting federal spending.

The flurry of executive orders out of the White House continues at a fast pace all week. Friday, Trump announced tariffs against China, Mexico and Canada.

READ MORE: How Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico will affect your groceries, gas prices

” That means a lot of products that we take for granted are going to be very expensive. That’s not going to help inflation in this country,” Durbin said.

The senator said while the amount of executive orders has made his head spin, President Trump’s response to the Reagan National Airport plane crash that killed 67 people was over the top. Trump blamed the crash, caused by a midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, on Democrats and DEI programs.

“How insensitive can you be, with more families mourning the loss of someone they love, indelicate, insensitive and typical of him,” Durbin said.

Rep. LaHood was not surprised.

“President Trump is blunt in the way he goes about these things. He’s opinionated that is the kinda of campaign he ran. People are used to that,” LaHood said.

When asked if the chaotic start to Trump’s second term will affect his timeline on when he decides if he plans to run for reelection, Senator Durbin laughed and said he will make an announcement in due time. His current term is up in 2026.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump 'obesity ban' preventing overweight foreigners from entering US

Trump Administration’s Controversial Policy Sparks Debate: Obesity Ban on Overweight Foreigners Entering US

The State Department under Donald Trump has introduced a new guideline suggesting…
Miss Israel 'denies glaring at Miss Palestine' after clip goes viral

Miss Israel Addresses Viral Video Controversy: Clarifies Stance on Alleged Glare at Miss Palestine

Miss Israel has refuted claims of giving Miss Palestine unfriendly looks after…
Cruise passengers left floating in the sea after catamaran sinks

Catamaran Sinks, Leaving Cruise Passengers Adrift at Sea

A group of cruisegoers found themselves adrift in the Caribbean when their…
California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the COP30 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in Belem, Brazil. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

California Governor Newsom Criticizes Trump’s Climate Inaction as ‘Doubling Down on Stupid’ in Exclusive AP Interview

BELEM, Brazil (AP) — California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a sharp critique…
Bill de Blasio's secret lover is revealed as friends spill details

Friends Uncover Identity of Bill de Blasio’s Mysterious Romantic Partner

Bill de Blasio’s new romantic interest is a fellow politician, but she…
Democrats' aide had lavish life paid for by China, prosecutors say

Prosecutors Claim Democratic Aide Lived Luxuriously on Funds from China

Federal prosecutors have accused a former senior aide to New York Governor…
Families sue Camp Mystic over deadly Texas flood, allege negligence and profit motive

Families File Lawsuit Against Camp Mystic: Allegations of Negligence and Profit Motive in Devastating Texas Flood

The families of seven young girls and camp counselors who tragically lost…
Dick Cheney to be laid to rest this month: What we know about the vice president's funeral

Honoring a Legacy: Details of Former Vice President Dick Cheney’s Funeral Arrangements Revealed

Earlier this month, the political world was met with the news of…