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

Baltimore Mayor Slams Trump Troop Threat: "What We Want from the President is Very Simple" BALTIMORE - 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 mayor's comments came after Trump announced plans to deploy National Guard troops to more cities, including Baltimore. According to Scott, Baltimore has witnessed a 50-year low in homicides this year, with a nearly 23 percent drop in homicide rates compared to previous years. Despite this progress, Scott emphasized that the city still has work to do to address its crime issues. "That's not good enough for me," he said in an interview. Trump's decision to deploy troops to Baltimore and other cities comes after a federal judge ruled that his administration broke the law by deploying National Guard troops in Los Angeles earlier this summer. Trump defended his actions, saying that he has an obligation to protect the country and its citizens. Scott disputed Trump's claims, arguing that the city is capable of addressing its own crime issues without federal intervention. "We don't need the National Guard coming into our city," he said. "What we want from the president is very simple: support for our police department and our community-based initiatives." The mayor's comments reflect a broader concern among local officials about the potential impact of Trump's troop deployment on communities. Some have argued that deploying troops to cities can exacerbate tensions between law enforcement and residents, particularly in communities of color. In response to Scott's comments, a White House spokesperson said that the administration is committed to supporting local law enforcement agencies and addressing crime issues in cities across the country. The situation remains uncertain as Trump's plans for troop deployment continue to unfold. Baltimore officials have vowed to work with federal authorities to address any concerns about public safety, but many are skeptical about the effectiveness of a military-led approach to addressing crime. As the debate over Trump's troop deployment continues, one thing is clear: the city of Baltimore and its residents will be watching closely to see how this plays out. *Reporting by Motherjones.*