President Donald Trump has announced plans to deploy National Guard troops in Baltimore as part of his wider effort to crack down on violent crime in America’s largest cities, a move that many residents are expressing support for.
According to a report by Fox News, many Baltimore residents agree with the idea, saying the presence of troops could help deter crime. One young mother named Tasha told the outlet, “Yes, I do, because right now our city needs it. Baltimore is on fire right now. We need as much help as we can get.”
Joseph, a resident of Penn-North, said the troops could help push drug dealers and users off his street. “I think it would make it a lot better,” he said.
Another resident, who has lived in Baltimore for 30 years, added, “My feeling is if the federal government’s offering help, one’s foolish to turn it down.”
Local radio host Daren Muhammad described Penn-North as “ground zero” and said “all options should be placed on the table and made available” to fight crime in the city.
Despite some residents expressing support, local officials have pushed back against federal intervention. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott released a statement on Monday pointing to “historic reductions in violent crime,” citing 91 homicides and 218 nonfatal shootings so far in 2025, representing drops of 29.5 percent and 21 percent, respectively.
“We’re good; we don’t need or want the National Guard here in Baltimore,” Scott said.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore echoed the sentiment, suggesting Trump should take a public safety walk through Baltimore. Trump later responded on social media, writing, “As President, I would much prefer that he clean up this crime disaster before I go there for a walk.”
