News Summary
President Trump has announced the deployment of the National Guard to Baltimore and federal intervention in Chicago due to rising crime rates. This controversial decision follows a report naming Baltimore as the fourth most dangerous city in the U.S. Local leaders, including Governor Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott, have opposed the intervention, asserting that crime rates are decreasing and labeling Trump’s comments as inaccurate. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between federal and local authorities regarding crime management in urban areas.
Baltimore – President Trump has announced the deployment of the National Guard to Baltimore and a federal intervention in Chicago, citing a critical need to combat escalating crime rates in these cities. In his statement, Trump labeled Baltimore as a “hellhole,” expressing deep concerns about public safety and crime in the area. This decision has drawn significant objections from local leaders, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.
The White House recently released a report indicating that Baltimore ranks as the fourth most dangerous city in the United States regarding crime and homicide rates. According to the report, only St. Louis, Oakland, and Memphis have higher rates of crime. Trump’s assertion of needing to intervene was built on the premise of his responsibility to protect citizens, emphasizing that the safety of cities like Baltimore falls under this obligation.
This development follows a series of contentious discussions between Trump and Governor Moore about crime issues in Baltimore. Governor Moore had previously extended an invitation to Trump to visit the city for a public safety walk, which Trump declined, instead urging Moore to address what he termed a “crime disaster.” The rhetoric escalated with Trump declaring that Baltimore is “so far gone” regarding its crime situation, prompting firm rebuttals from both the governor and the mayor.
Mayor Scott countered Trump’s claims by highlighting that crime rates in Baltimore are currently at their lowest in over 50 years. He reported a remarkable 29.5% drop in homicides and a 21% decrease in nonfatal shootings compared to the previous year. In a notable statistic, Baltimore recorded only seven homicides in August, making it the lowest number historically for that month. Moreover, as of September 1, 2025, the city has experienced 91 homicides and 218 nonfatal shootings this year, the fewest homicides recorded during the first eight months in over five decades.
In response to Trump’s remarks, Governor Moore characterized them as “insults from the Oval Office,” insisting that local initiatives are effectively reducing crime without needing federal military intervention. Trump accused Moore of manipulating crime statistics, stating that his record on crime is dismal. Both Moore and Scott maintain that deploying the National Guard for police duties is inappropriate, asserting that it does not address the nuanced needs of the communities they serve.
Local sentiments regarding the National Guard’s potential deployment are mixed. Some residents express concerns that such an action might exacerbate violence, while others believe that an increased presence could enhance public safety. A crime victim named John Berardi shared his viewpoint supporting the National Guard’s presence to improve safety in the city. However, Mayor Scott has vocalized that utilizing the National Guard could lead to legal challenges from the city if implemented.
Additionally, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized Trump’s decision, describing it as a political distraction that undermines ongoing improvements made by local law enforcement. On the other hand, the Maryland Freedom Caucus has expressed support for Trump’s approach while condemning Governor Moore for failing to collaborate with federal authorities effectively. Some local residents have expressed concerns that federal interventions disproportionately target minority communities, drawing comparisons to past efforts like the War on Drugs.
President Trump has a history of similar interventions, including federalizing Washington D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department and deploying the National Guard despite declining crime rates in the capital. In articulating the rationale behind his intervention, the president categorized the crime issues in these cities as threats to the functioning of the federal government. Meanwhile, Governor Moore has described the direction of how the National Guard is to be utilized as “theatrical” and “not sustainable,” urging a shift towards collaboration and the effective use of existing resources instead of military measures in urban policing.
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Additional Resources
- AP News
- CBS News
- Forbes
- BBC News
- Al Jazeera
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- Google Search: National Guard and crime in America
- Google Scholar: Trump National Guard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Guard
- Google News: Trump Baltimore National Guard
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BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
