Trump Turns Thanksgiving Tradition Into Scathing Attack on Chicago Democrats
President Donald Trump transformed the traditionally lighthearted White House turkey pardon ceremony into a furious broadside against Chicago’s leadership on Tuesday, directly naming 26-year-old Bethany MaGee — the young woman who was horrifically set on fire on a CTA Blue Line train just over a week ago.
“They burned this beautiful woman riding in a train — Bethany MaGee,” Trump said. “A man arrested 72 times… and they’ll let him out again. It’s horrible what’s happening in Chicago. The mayor is incompetent, and the governor is a big, fat slob.”
Trump repeatedly vowed he could make Chicago “totally safe” in just weeks with federal intervention, insisting residents are desperate for help and that the city will be “lost” without drastic action.
Bethany MaGee Remains in Critical Condition After Unprovoked Arson Attack
The brutal assault occurred around 9:30 p.m. on November 17 when suspect Lawrence Reed, 33, allegedly poured gasoline on Bethany MaGee and set her ablaze without warning. Surveillance footage shows the innocent victim engulfed in flames, desperately rolling on the train floor trying to put out the fire.
MaGee suffered severe burns over approximately half her body and remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Friends describe her as “very soft-spoken, very gentle,” and a beloved member of a small-town Illinois family. A GoFundMe created by her family has now surged past six figures as Americans nationwide rally behind the young woman whose life was shattered in seconds.
Repeat Offender Released Again: Lawrence Reed’s 72 Prior Arrests
Reed was on electronic monitoring for another case at the time of the attack and has a reported criminal history spanning decades, with sources citing between 50 and 72 previous arrests.
He now faces federal terrorism charges and is being held without bond.
Viral Trump Clip Ignites National Outrage
The president’s explosive remarks, posted by conservative commentator Nick Sortor on X, have rocketed past 700,000 views in under 24 hours, reigniting fierce debate over Chicago’s progressive criminal justice policies that critics say repeatedly free dangerous repeat offenders.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. J.B. Pritzker Silent on Trump’s Personal Insults
As of Wednesday afternoon, neither Mayor Johnson nor Governor Pritzker has issued any public response to President Trump’s direct and highly personal attacks.
Call To Action
The attack on Bethany MaGee and the growing national debate surrounding public safety, criminal justice reform, and leadership accountability continue to develop by the hour. As this story gains national attention, Lake County Florida News remains committed to providing verified, real-time updates and deeper context for our readers.
If you want to stay informed on this case — including updates on MaGee’s condition, legal proceedings against Lawrence Reed, and political reactions across the country — follow our ongoing coverage here at LakeCountyFloridaNews.com.
