President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding for the reconstruction of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, while also suggesting the deployment of troops to the city in an effort to reduce crime. Governor Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott were quick to criticize the remarks. Both officials cited recent decreases in violence and advocated for greater investment in prevention and community programs rather than militarized responses.
Trump stated: “I gave Wes Moore a lot of money to fix his demolished bridge.” He went on: “I will now have to rethink that decision???” Trump then stated that he may send federal troops to Baltimore and reconsider support for the Key Bridge project.
Moore stated that he will not authorize Maryland National Guard deployments for crimefighting, citing federal limits without state consent. Moore went on: “Donald Trump, if you are not willing to walk our communities, keep our name out of your mouth.”
Trump has criticized Moore’s criminal record and questioned his Bronze Star, but the Army has stated that Moore received the award properly after paperwork delays. Donald Trump tweeted: “When it is like that in Baltimore, I will proudly ‘walk the streets’ with the failing, because of Crime, Governor of Maryland.”
wrote Moore: “President Bone Spurs will do anything to get out of walking — even if that means spouting off more lies about the progress we’re making on public safety in Maryland.” Scott stated, “Trump’s takeover of the Washington, DC police force makes two things abundantly clear. First, he will go to any length, including sacrificing others, to boost his ego. Second, he has no real solutions to make our country safer, healthier, or more free.
The administration has maintained federal control over Washington policing and stationed National Guard troops in D.C., with President Donald Trump indicating that such security operations may be expanded to other Democratic-led cities.
