Senator James Sanders Jr. Condemns Trump’s Racist Comments About Baltimore
July 30, 2019
Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway) today condemned racist comments and behavior by President Trump in which he verbally attacked a majority-black city, a prominent black lawmaker who represents that city, and finally, a leading civil rights activist who said he planned on visiting that city.
This week, Trump called Baltimore a "disgusting, rat and rodent-infested mess,” referring to it as “hell” and calling it a “corrupt city.” He also targeted Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings, the U.S. Representative for Maryland's 7th congressional district, and the Chairman of the House Oversight Committee. He told the politician that conditions in Cummings' district were "far worse and more dangerous" than those at the U.S.-Mexico border.
“Never have we seen such abominable behavior by a sitting president, one who seeks to divide the nation at every turn and pit people against each other,” Sanders said. “We must come together as people of good will and say enough is enough.”
Following Trump’s comments, the Rev. Al Sharpton announced plans to visit Baltimore. The President then tweeted that the civil rights leader “hates whites and cops,” and said that his trip wouldn’t accomplish anything. Trump said "Reverend Al will show up to complain & protest. Nothing will get done for the people in need. Sad!"
“We hear Trump criticizing Congressman Elijah Cummings and the Rev. Al Sharpton, but what is he doing to improve conditions in Baltimore,” Sanders said. “It’s very easy to complain, but far more difficult to come up with solutions.”
Trump’s recent comments are the latest to add fuel to the fire after telling four congresswomen of color - Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib - who opposed his policies that they should “go back” to where they came from if they don’t like the United States.
“We cannot stand idly by and watch as President Trump continues to morally bankrupt this country,” Sanders said. “We need to demand more from an elected official that was chosen to run this great nation.”
