President Donald Trump has turned the spotlight on crime in Maryland, engaging in a verbal quarrel with Governor Wes Moore. The exchange escalated when Trump urged Moore to “stop talking and get to work.” The president’s recent deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., highlights his ongoing concern about rising violence, a concern Moore critiqued in a letter addressed to Trump on August 21.
In his letter, Moore expressed that Baltimore, often cited as one of the most dangerous cities in the country, has made strides in reducing crime without the need for ostentatious measures. “Even in the face of millions of dollars in cuts to federal funding for violence intervention and gun violence prevention under your administration—including to programs directly credited with lowering rates of homicide and other violent crimes—our state and local communities continue to invest in proven strategies that help us build safer, more vibrant neighborhoods,” Moore stated.
Despite Moore’s claims of progress, Baltimore is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the fourth most dangerous city in America. Pressing the matter further, Trump criticized the “weak-on-crime policies” of Moore and other Maryland Democrats, calling for change and encouraging voters to choose Republican candidates in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Moore championed what he termed an “all-of-the-above approach to public safety,” asserting that it has led to a 20 percent reduction in homicides in Maryland. “If there’s anything Maryland has proven over the last two years, it’s that we can achieve performance without being performative,” he maintained. This suggests that while crime may be decreasing, the concern for safety remains ever-present.
A Tuesday report poured cold water on the claims of declining crime rates, stating that Baltimore ranks third in violent crime rates among U.S. cities with populations over 500,000. The analysis drew from FBI crime statistics, revealing that while decreases may exist, a serious crime problem persists.
After his criticisms, Moore extended an invitation to Trump to join him for a “public safety walk” in Baltimore next month. Trump’s response was less-than-welcoming. He responded via Truth Social, calling Moore’s tone “rather nasty and provocative” and questioned whether Moore was referring to “out of control, crime-ridden, Baltimore.” He asserted, “As President, I would much prefer that he clean up this crime disaster before I go there for a ‘walk.'”
Trump went further, proposing to deploy military assets to restore order, declaring, “after only one week, there is NO CRIME AND NO MURDER IN DC!” He positioned this as a prerequisite for any street engagement with Moore. “P.S. Baltimore is ranked the 4th WORST CITY IN THE NATION IN CRIME & MURDER,” Trump added emphatically. His final words directed at Moore echoed his earlier dismissal: “Stop talking and get to work, Wes. I’ll then see you on the streets!”
The back-and-forth between Trump and Moore represents broader tensions surrounding approaches to crime and safety. As both leaders stake claims regarding their policies and effectiveness, it is evident that crime remains a pressing topic, particularly in cities facing ongoing challenges. The discussion highlights the intricate dynamics at play, with each party wrestling not only with statistics but also with perceptions and narrative control in a climate marked by deep political divisions.
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