Baltimore Mayor Pushes Back Against Trump's Troop Threat: "Simple" Demands from City Leaders

Baltimore's Mayor Slams Trump Troop Threat: "What We Want from the President is Very Simple" BALTIMORE - In a strongly worded statement, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott pushed back against President Donald Trump's threat to send troops to the city, saying that what his administration wants from the president is "very simple." The dispute centers on Trump's plan to deploy federal troops to more cities, including Baltimore, in an effort to combat rising crime rates. However, a federal judge has ruled that Trump broke the law when deploying National Guard troops in Los Angeles earlier this summer. Scott, who was interviewed by a reporter from The Associated Press, emphasized that his city is making progress in reducing crime. "This year, we've witnessed the fewest amount of homicides through this date on record - that's a 50-year low," he said. "That's still not good enough for me." The Washington Post recently reported that homicide rates in Baltimore have plummeted nearly 23 percent compared to last year. Trump, however, has insisted that his administration has the right to deploy troops to protect the country and its cities. During a press conference on Tuesday, he said, "I have an obligation to do it to protect this country, and that includes Baltimore." Scott's comments reflect the concerns of many local officials who fear that deploying federal troops will only exacerbate tensions between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The debate over Trump's troop deployment plan has sparked a heated national conversation about the role of federal authorities in local policing. Some argue that federal intervention is necessary to combat rising crime rates, while others contend that it undermines community trust and perpetuates systemic racism. As the situation continues to unfold, Scott remains committed to finding solutions that work for his city. "We want to see a partnership between our police department and the community," he said. "That's what we need from the president - not troops." In response to Trump's threat, Scott has called on the president to engage in meaningful dialogue with local officials to address the root causes of crime. "What we want from the president is very simple: we want him to work with us to find solutions that will keep our communities safe," he said. The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear what the next steps will be for both Trump's administration and the city of Baltimore. *Reporting by Motherjones.*