President Donald Trump escalated his ongoing dispute with Maryland Governor Wes Moore by rejecting the governor's invitation to walk the streets of Baltimore and referring to the city as a 'hellhole.' Governor Moore, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, had extended the offer to showcase the city's crime-fighting efforts and highlight Baltimore as one of the greatest cities in the United States.
Trump has previously mentioned Baltimore as a potential target for federal intervention to address crime, similar to his actions in deploying the National Guard in Washington, DC. During a press briefing in the Cabinet Room, Trump criticized Moore for not acknowledging the city's issues, stating that he would only consider walking in Baltimore once the crime situation improved.
Responding to Trump's comments, Moore took to social media to mock the president, suggesting that Trump was avoiding the walk and offering to provide a golf cart for his convenience. In a retaliatory move, Trump hinted at reconsidering federal funding for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which had collapsed the previous year.
Despite the contentious exchange between Trump and Moore, recent data from the Baltimore Police Department indicates a positive trend in the city's homicide rate, showing a 22% decrease compared to the same period last year. This decline in violent crime suggests progress in Baltimore's efforts to address public safety concerns and improve the overall security of the city.
