Trump Threatens to Deploy Troops to Baltimore
In a bold move, US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to send troops to Baltimore, intensifying a clash with Maryland Governor Wes Moore. This comes after the Democrat extended an invitation to Trump to join a “safety walk” in the city.
“If Wes Moore needs help, like Gavin Newscum did in L.A., I will send in the ‘troops,’ which is being done in nearby DC, and quickly clean up the Crime,” Trump declared on social media.
This latest development highlights the ongoing tension surrounding the president’s push to deploy National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities in a bid to crack down on crime.
However, the use of military personnel for domestic law enforcement has sparked outrage among Democrats, with one governor denouncing it as an “abuse of power”.
Already, Trump has dispatched approximately 2,000 troops to Washington DC, a stronghold for Democrats.
The Guard in Washington has now been authorized to carry weapons, marking a significant shift in their role. Previously, their weapons were kept in the armoury and only accessible if necessary.
A statement from the Joint Task Force emphasized that the troops were to be used as a last resort.
Reports indicate that as many as 1,700 troops are set to mobilize in 19 states in the coming weeks.
Governor Moore, known for his criticism of Trump’s approach, condemned the president’s rhetoric on crime, describing it as “tone deaf and ignorant.”
“They have not walked our streets or been in our communities, yet they continue to perpetuate stereotypes about us,” Moore expressed.
Trump’s comments on Truth Social appeared to be a direct response to Moore’s invitation letter, which the president deemed “nasty” and “provocative”.
While the White House touts hundreds of arrests made since the operation began in Washington DC, Trump continues to assert that the mission has brought “total safety” to the city.
Crime statistics from Washington DC’s Metropolitan Police show a decline in violent offenses, with 2024 marking the lowest level in three decades.
Trump has also hinted at the possibility of deploying troops in New York and Chicago, further escalating tensions.
The president’s threats have drawn criticism from Democratic leaders in various states and cities, with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker denouncing the move as an abuse of power.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries weighed in, stating that Trump lacks the legal authority to send troops to cities like Baltimore and Chicago.
Amidst this controversy, a recent poll revealed that the deployment of federal officers and the National Guard in Baltimore is deeply unpopular among residents, with nearly 80% opposing the move. — BBC
