President Donald Trump Criticizes Rep. Elijah Cummings, Calls Maryland's 7th District A 'Disgusting Rat, Rodent Infested Mess'
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — President Donald Trump tweeted Saturday morning about Baltimore, while criticizing Rep. Elijah Cummings and his congressional district.
Trump's tweets also referenced Cummings' past comments about conditions at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Trump is demanding an investigation into Maryland's 7th congressional district, calling it "a disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess."
Cummings' district includes parts of both Baltimore City and Baltimore County, along with a majority of Howard County.
RELATED COVERAGE:
- President Trump Calls Al Sharpton A 'Conman,' Continues Twitter Attack On Baltimore, Rep. Cummings
- 'Today We Stand United' | Mayor Young, Baltimore City Leaders Denounce President Trump's Tweets
- President Trump Calls Rep. Cummings 'Racist', Continues Criticizing Him, Baltimore
Cummings responded to Trump on Twitter, citing that he goes home to his district daily and that it is his "moral duty to fight for my constituents." He added that he and Trump can address prescription drug prices together.
Many officials showed their support for Cummings, including Rep. John Sarbanes, who also represents Baltimore.
Baltimore Mayor Jack Young called Trump's tweets "completely unacceptable". In a statement, Young added he "won't stand for anyone, not even the alleged Leader of the Free World, attacking our great City or our representative to Congress. Mr. Trump, you are a disappointment to the people of Baltimore, our country, and to the world."
Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison commented that it is important for him and members of the Department to "remain apolitical" adding, "We all took an oath to protect and serve the people of Baltimore regardless of their political affiliation, class, race or religion. And that is what we are doing every single day as we work toward making Baltimore the safest big city in America."
Politicians from across the country also denounced President Trump's tweets. Former Vice President Joe Biden called the comments despicable.
"Once again you have proved yourself unfit to hold office," Biden wrote.
Senator Kamala Harris, another presidential candidate who set up her campaign headquarters in Baltimore, said, "it's disrespectful the President has chosen to start his morning disparaging this great American city."
Harris also expressed pride in her campaign headquarters being located in Baltimore and Rep. Cummings' district.
"I am proud our campaign headquarters is in Rep. Elijah Cummings' district. Baltimore had become home to my team and it's disgraceful the president has chosen to start his morning disparaging this great American city."
