News Summary
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has firmly opposed President Trump’s recent assertions about crime in Black-led cities, particularly condemning the claim that cities like Baltimore are struggling. Scott rebutted Trump’s narrative by highlighting Baltimore’s significant crime reductions, including a historic low in homicides. He advocates for a community-focused approach to public safety rather than federal military intervention, calling for restored federal support instead of cuts that harm local crime-fighting efforts.
Baltimore
Mayor Brandon Scott of Baltimore has voiced strong criticism against President Donald Trump, accusing him of utilizing “right-wing propaganda” to undermine Black leaders in urban areas. This response follows a recent press conference where Trump announced the deployment of the National Guard to combat crime in what he referred to as “Black-led cities.” Claiming these cities are “so far gone,” Trump cited Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles as examples struggling with crime rates, a portrayal Scott contests vehemently.
Scott emphasized that Baltimore, among the cities referenced by Trump, is actually experiencing significant reductions in crime, achieving a historic 50-year low in homicides with a reported 28% decrease in the past year. He attributes this success to a comprehensive public policy approach focused on community partnership rather than strict law-and-order tactics promoted by the administration.
The Baltimore Police Department has reported double-digit reductions in gun violence during the first half of 2025, further supporting Scott’s argument against Trump’s narrative. He believes that collaborative efforts within the community are essential for sustainable crime reduction, arguing that military intervention is not the solution. Scott insists that Trump could benefit from observing the effective strategies implemented by Baltimore’s leadership, which has led to improved public safety in recent years.
In addition to his critiques of Trump, Scott has called attention to the impact of cuts to federal public safety grants instigated by the Trump administration, describing these as detrimental to local crime reduction efforts. He has also urged for a national ban on ghost guns and Glock switches to enhance community safety further.
The NAACP President Derrick Johnson echoed Scott’s sentiments, questioning the necessity for federal oversight in D.C. Johnson criticized Trump’s focus on crime, characterizing it as an attempt to distract from the administration’s political shortcomings. The dialogue surrounding crime and public safety has become particularly contentious, with Scott pushing for a shift in federal resources from military support to more effective law enforcement strategies that can complement local efforts.
While Mayor Scott celebrates the progress made in Baltimore’s crime rates, some critics argue he is overstating his role. They point out that the decline in crime rates began with the election of a new State’s Attorney known for a tougher stance on criminal prosecution. Political analysts note that it is common for elected officials to claim credit for positive changes regardless of their direct influence on the current outcomes.
Baltimore has made remarkable strides in reducing homicides and gun violence, which contrasts sharply with Trump’s comments suggesting rampant lawlessness in the city. Mayor Scott’s optimism reflects a broader trend where urban areas are finding success through innovative crime-fighting strategies that rely on local partnerships rather than federal military intervention.
This ongoing discourse underscores the complexity of addressing crime in urban settings, highlighting differing philosophies between local leadership and federal administration. With Baltimore reporting historic lows in violence, the focus now shifts to sustaining these achievements while advocating for restored federal support that aligns with successful local initiatives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Maryland Business Developments: Hiring Surges and Tax Concerns
Baltimore Ranks as Third Most Dangerous City in U.S.
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Considers Elementary School Closures
Starbucks Closes Six Locations in Baltimore Amid Restructuring
Teenager Shot in West Baltimore: Community Urged to Help
Teenagers Arrested in Baltimore Break-Ins
UniFIED Efforts, Inc. Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Youth
New Youth Center Opens to Support Baltimore Children
Investigation Launched After Chokehold Incident in Baltimore
Shooting Incident Near Forest Park High School Leaves One Injured
Additional Resources
- Mother Jones
- Wikipedia: Baltimore
- Bloomberg
- Google Search: Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott National Guard
- Fox Baltimore
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baltimore
- CNN
- Google News: Crime Reduction Strategies Baltimore
- WBAL TV
- Google Scholar: Brandon Scott Baltimore Crime Reduction
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE 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.
