President Donald Trump’s suggestion to deploy the National Guard to Baltimore has locals buzzing with mixed reactions, some seeing it as a bold fix for persistent crime while others dread a repeat of past unrest.
Trump has signaled readiness to send troops to the city if requested by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, mirroring his recent actions in Washington, D.C., but residents remain divided on whether such a move would deter violence or spark new tensions reminiscent of the 2015 Freddie Gray protests.
Fox News Digital interviewed 17 Baltimore locals on a recent Wednesday, capturing a snapshot of opinions in neighborhoods like Penn-North and Bolton Hill.
Every Penn-North resident acknowledged the city's crime problem, pointing to recent events like a mass drug overdose in July that hospitalized over two dozen people and three homicides in nearby Park Heights during August.
Drug sales and use continue openly on street corners, even with police presence nearby, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces.
Tasha, a young mother out with her baby near the Department of Social Services, voiced strong support for federal help.
“Yes, I do, because right now our city needs it,” Tasha said, adding that Baltimore feels overwhelmed and requires all possible assistance.
Her words underscore a practical conservatism: when local efforts falter, turning down federal aid seems shortsighted, especially in a city grappling with visible decay.
Joseph, a Penn-North resident chatting while a homeless woman slept on his stoop, agreed it could improve safety.
“I think it would make it a lot better,” Joseph remarked, reflecting a no-nonsense view that prioritizes order over endless debate.
Daren Muhammed, a local radio host dubbing Penn-North “ground zero,” suggested keeping all options open.
“All options should be placed on the table,” Muhammed stated, a sensible call in a place where progress feels stalled by progressive hesitations.
Anthony, a 30-year resident, echoed that sentiment, calling the refusal of help foolish.
“My feeling is if the federal government's offering help, one's foolish to turn it down,” Anthony said, a witty reminder that pride shouldn't trump public safety.
Yet not all share this enthusiasm; Sarah, who is homeless and struggling with addiction, has seen enough violence and doubts troops would help.
“I don't think they need to bring the troops in,” Sarah argued, labeling the idea absurd and warning it might ignite riots.
Her caution evokes the 2015 fallout from Freddie Gray's death in police custody, when protests turned riotous and prompted a previous National Guard deployment, stirring national debates on policing and race.
While empathetic to those traumas, one wonders if avoiding tough measures truly serves communities weary of daily threats.
Trayvon, lingering outside a CVS in Penn-North, dismissed the plan outright.
“Not going to change s--t,” Trayvon quipped, describing Baltimore as a long-neglected rebellious city.
Ashley from neighboring Bolton Hill recalled the psychological scars from past curfews and restrictions.
“I think anyone who's lived here through Freddie Gray, through a curfew, through almost having martial law,” Ashley explained, noting how such experiences linger unhealed.
Her point is fair, yet delaying action might prolong the very suffering she laments, a classic conundrum in urban policy.
Another local emphasized self-reliance over external saviors.
“The day when the people cannot control themselves and cannot police themselves will be the end of everything,” the woman asserted.
“Nobody will save us – not the National Guard, not the police,” she added, a stark warning that empowerment starts within, not from Washington.
Ronette, passing by the Department of Social Services, rejected Trump's involvement as unnecessary.
“We don't need Trump coming in the door,” Ronette declared, while George called it a stunt that could heighten tensions.
A masked woman in Bolton Hill agreed, fearing raised conflicts, and combat veteran Will Hanna suggested exhausting state resources first, like bringing in troopers.
“I think there are some resources that we haven't exhausted as a city and as a state,” Hanna noted, proposing alternatives before federal escalation.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott touted “historic reductions in violent crime,” citing 91 homicides and 218 nonfatal shootings this year, down 29.5% and 21% respectively.
Gov. Moore echoed these figures and invited Trump for a safety walk, but Trump prefers resolving the issues beforehand.
“As President, I would much prefer that he clean up this crime disaster before I go there for a walk,” Trump responded, a pointed jab at local leadership's optimism amid ongoing woes.
Despite improvements, data from Just Facts indicates Baltimore's murder rate remains 6.8 times the national metropolitan average, projecting a grim lifetime risk for residents.
Trump labeled the city a “hellhole” and affirmed his duty to intervene if needed.
“We have a right to do it because I have an obligation to do it to protect this country, and that includes Baltimore,” Trump stated, blending duty with a conservative push for decisive action over endless studies.
