In a recent turn of events, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson has fiercely defended his city after former President Donald Trump criticized it as a “horrible city.”
What Happened: Johnson, in a strong rebuttal, pointed out that Trump’s presidency was far from perfect, reported The Hill. Johnson also highlighted the political significance of Wisconsin, a battleground state, in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
"If Donald Trump wants to talk about things that he thinks are horrible — all of us lived through his presidency, so, right back at you, buddy," said Johnson, according to the report.
He described Trump’s alleged comments as “bizarre” and “unhinged,” especially considering that the city is hosting the Republican National Convention where Trump is expected to secure the 2024 presidential nomination.
Trump’s campaign later clarified that the former president was not criticizing the city itself but rather the crime within it. The campaign labeled the backlash as a “desperate attempt to get likes” on social media.
Johnson, however, pointed out that many Republicans have spoken positively about the city, including those within the Republican National Committee.
Why It Matters: The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be a closely contested rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden. Recent polls have shown a tight race between the two candidates, with Trump’s recent legal troubles potentially impacting his chances.
Trump’s comments about Milwaukee are not the first time he has made controversial remarks about cities. In May, he stirred up controversy by claiming that Paris and London had become unrecognizable due to their openness to “jihad.” These comments were made during a campaign rally in Wisconsin, the same state where he recently criticized Milwaukee.
This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Shivdeep Dhaliwal
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