Trump Targets Democratic Cities After Empowering National Guard in Nation's Capital

President Donald Trump is considering deploying the National Guard to Democratic cities like Baltimore, Chicago, and New York City after arming the guard in Washington, D.C. over concerns about crime. "Governor Wes Moore of Maryland has asked, in a rather nasty and provocative tone, that I 'walk the streets of Maryland' with him," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, referencing Baltimore specifically. "I assume he is talking about out of control, crime ridden, Baltimore? As President, I would much prefer that he clean up this Crime disaster before I go there for a 'walk.' Wes Moore's record on Crime is a very bad one, unless he fudges his figures on crime like many of the other 'Blue States' are doing."

"I will send in the 'troops,' which is being done in nearby DC, and quickly clean up the Crime," Trump added.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore responded to Trump's claims Sunday during an appearance on CNN. "The last time the homicide rate was this low in Baltimore city, I wasn't born yet," he said. "... I will never activate members of our National Guard for theatrics."

Trump's threat to send the National Guard to Baltimore comes as troops continue to patrol Washington, where federal officials say crime has moderately dropped since his directive took effect.

Last week, Trump mentioned Chicago as a city that needs to be "straightened out," and The Washington Post reported over the weekend that the Pentagon is helping draft plans to possibly deploy to Chicago soon. Local and state leaders in Illinois met to discuss how they would respond, including Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.

"Turning the military against the American citizens and cities on American land is unprecedented and it's unheard of," Raoul said.