Baltimore Mayor Responds to Trump Troop Threat: What We Want Is Clear
Baltimore Mayor Defends City’s Crime Record Amid Federal Troop Deployment Threats
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is speaking out to defend “a 50-year low” in homicides. — Julia Nikhinson/AP
President Trump is expanding his federal efforts to combat crime by deploying the National Guard to multiple cities, including Baltimore. Despite a federal judge ruling earlier this summer that the deployment in Los Angeles was unlawful, Trump maintained during a recent press conference that his actions are necessary to protect the country, asserting, “that includes Baltimore.” More details here.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott responded strongly, highlighting that the city has achieved its lowest homicide rate in over 50 years this year. He stated, “That’s a 50-year low, and that’s still not good enough for me.” Recent reports indicate Baltimore’s homicides have decreased by nearly 23% compared to the first half of 2024, with non-fatal shootings down by almost 20%.
Scott criticized federal funding cuts to vital crime reduction programs such as community violence intervention and victim services. “What we want from the president is very simple—reinstating all the cuts to federal grants for programs that are effectively reducing violence,” he emphasized.