The war of words between Trump and Wes Moore is heating up, as Trump threatened to send federal troops to Baltimore and suggested he may reconsider funding to replace the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge.
In a lengthy social media post earlier this week, Trump lashed out at Moore for criticizing his claims about crime in Baltimore, repeating his description of the city as “out of control” and “crime-ridden.”
He added that if Moore “needs help … I will send in the ‘troops,’” citing his deployment of National Guard units in Washington, D.C.
Trump also questioned whether he should “rethink” federal money Congress approved last year to rebuild the Key Bridge, destroyed in a container ship crash.
Moore has called Trump’s tactics “performative” and said his use of federal forces in D.C. was “deeply disrespectful” to local government.
On social media, Moore mocked Trump’s military deferments, offering to get him a “golf cart” if walking Baltimore’s streets was too difficult.
Maryland officials quickly closed ranks in the wake of the traded barbs.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott pointed to violent crime hitting 50-year lows, warning troops would “erode residents’ rights.”
Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen blasted Trump’s “dictator” tactics and warned that attempts to withhold Key Bridge funding would be unlawful.
Moore vowed to defend the bipartisan deal that secured replacement funding, calling Trump’s threat “an attack on Maryland’s economy” that risked harming workers and businesses nationwide.
