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U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy National Guard troops to Baltimore, intensifying his standoff with Democratic leaders as he pushes forward with a tough-on-crime and immigration agenda.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Baltimore as “out of control” and “crime-ridden,” suggesting he would send federal troops to the city if Maryland Governor Wes Moore “needs help — like Gavin Newscum did in L.A.,” referencing California Governor Gavin Newsom with a mocking nickname. Trump claimed federal troops could “quickly clean up the crime,” pointing to his recent deployment of soldiers to Washington, D.C.
Governor Moore responded sharply, accusing Trump of using outdated scare tactics. “Hey Donald, we can get you a golf cart if that makes things easier,” Moore said on X, inviting the president to walk with him through Baltimore and see the city’s progress firsthand. He noted that Baltimore’s homicide rate has dropped by over 20% since he took office, calling Trump’s comments misleading.
Trump fired back, criticizing Moore’s leadership and threatening to withhold federal funds linked to a recent bridge collapse. “I would much prefer he clean up this crime disaster before I go there for a ‘walk,’” Trump said.
This heated exchange underscores a growing national divide between Trump and Democratic governors over the federal government’s role in local law enforcement. Earlier in the month, Trump deployed nearly 5,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests — a move that drew backlash from Newsom.
Trump also sent troops to Washington, D.C., where guardsmen were recently seen armed after an initial non-combat deployment.
Now, Trump has hinted that Chicago could be next, telling reporters on August 22:
“We’re going to make our cities very, very safe. I think Chicago will be our next, and then we’ll help with New York.”
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have already rejected the idea.
“Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are trying to paint their party as one of ‘law and order.’ That couldn’t be further from the truth,” Pritzker wrote on X.
According to Chicago police data, the city recorded 573 homicides in 2024, down 8% from the previous year. While the Pentagon has not confirmed any plans to deploy troops to Chicago, Trump continues to hint at further military involvement in Democratic-led cities across the country.
