Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has condemned President Donald Trump's tweets about Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings as 'racist attacks'. Mr Trump described Mr Cummings' majority-black district in Baltimore as a 'rodent-infested mess' on Twitter.
Mr Cummings, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, has launched several investigations into the Trump administration, including its handling of migrants at detention centres. The congressman recently clashed with acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan over conditions at border facilities.
The comments come weeks after Mr Trump told four Democratic congresswomen of colour to 'go back' to their countries. The hashtag #WeAreBaltimore trended on Twitter, with thousands expressing solidarity. Baltimore's mayor called Mr Trump 'a disappointment' to the city and the country.
Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren also criticised the president. Mr Biden said the tweets showed Mr Trump is 'unfit to hold the office', while Ms Warren described them as 'insulting'. Republican representatives have remained largely silent.
Mr Trump has since continued his attacks, tweeting that Mr Cummings has 'done nothing but milk Baltimore dry'. The president also retweeted a video criticising the congressman.
