President responds to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's invitation to visit Baltimore: 'Clean up this crime disaster'Play VideoUpdated: 11:59 AM EDT Aug 24, 2025 Editorial Standards ⓘGreg Ng Digital Content ManagerBALTIMORE —President Donald Trump responded Sunday to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's invitation to visit Baltimore, saying the state needs to first "clean up this crime disaster."The exchange started during the president's Aug. 11 announcement about Washington, D.C., when he deployed the National Guard to take over law enforcement duties in the nation's capital. During that announcement, the president also referenced Baltimore, saying, in part:"We have other cities also that are bad, very bad. You look at Chicago, how bad it is, you look at Los Angeles, how bad it is, other cities that are very bad, New York is a problem, and then you have, of course, Baltimore and Oakland — you don't even mention that anymore they're so far gone."Moore responded last week by sending a letter to the president, inviting him to actually visit Baltimore and citing police data that he said shows violent crime is at some of its lowest levels in decades.That appears to have led to Sunday's post in which the president cited Baltimore as the fourth worst U.S. city in crime and murder, without providing evidence supporting those claims.In Sunday's post, he claimed "no crime and no murder" in D.C. since taking federal action, saying he would "send in the 'troops'" to Baltimore "if Wes Moore needs help."Trump wrote that he would "proudly 'walk the streets'" in Baltimore after similar action is taken in the city.The president further suggested he might have to reconsider federal funding for the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge that was finalized before he took office.11 News Investigates archive video above: What happens if federal funding is cut for Key Bridge? (May 2025)Not long after the president's post, the governor fired back on his personal X account, saying: "President Bone Spurs will do anything to get out of walking – even if that means spouting off more lies about the progress we're making on public safety in Maryland. Hey Donald, we can get you a golf cart if that makes things easier. Just let my team know."This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.President Bone Spurs will do anything to get out of walking – even if that means spouting off more lies about the progress we’re making on public safety in Maryland.Hey Donald, we can get you a golf cart if that makes things easier. Just let my team know.— Wes Moore (@iamwesmoore) August 24, 2025The president's post on Truth Social, which was also reposted on X by an ancillary White House account, follows in its entirety:"Governor Wes Moore of Maryland has asked, in a rather nasty and provocative tone, that t 'walk the streets of Maryland' with him. 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. But if Wes Moore needs help, like Gavin Newscum did in L.A., I will send in the 'troops,' which is being done in nearby D.C., and quickly clean up the crime."After only one week, there is NO CRIME AND NO MURDER IN D.C.! When it is like that in Baltimore, I will proudly 'walk the streets' with the failing, because of crime, governor of Maryland."P.S. Baltimore is ranked the fourth WORST CITY IN THE NATION IN CRIME & MURDER. Stop talking and get to work, Wes. I'll then see you on the streets!!!"Also, I gave Wes Moore a lot of money to fix his demolished bridge. I will now have to rethink that decision??? Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! President DJT."This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.pic.twitter.com/hU4FkGqZov— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 24, 2025President Trump mentions Baltimore during announcement of federal takeover to address DC crime'It's got to be paid for': How Maryland leaders, in race against clock, secured Key Bridge fundingWBAL-TV 11 MOBILE: Get our app & email newsletters, follow us on social mediaShare  Infinite Scroll EnabledTop PicksThe costliest U.S. hurricanes since 1980Video shows moment fiery explosion happened at plant in LouisianaLabor Day sales started early this year—Good Housekeeping says these are the ones worth shoppingCalling all '90s kids! How many of these slang words do you remember?Latest Forecast81°FCloudyFEELS LIKE83°F12 PM81°15%1 PM82°15%2 PM82°15%3 PM84°15%4 PM84°15%TRAFFICWBAL-TV 11 Baltimore  Contact UsNews TeamApps & SocialEmail AlertsCareersInternshipsAdvertiseDigital Advertising Terms & ConditionsBroadcast Terms & ConditionsRSSEEO ReportsCaptioning ContactsPublic Inspection FilePublic File AssistanceFCC ApplicationsNews Policy StatementsLicensingHearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.©2025, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WBAL-TV.Privacy NoticeDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite MapYour Privacy Choices/(Opt-Out of Sale/Targeted Ads) (Image generated using OpenAI’s DALL·E)