Former US President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm of controversy with a series of shocking tweets directed at the American city of Baltimore and its late congressional representative, Elijah Cummings.
In a move widely condemned as racially charged, Trump described the majority-black district as a "disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess" where "no human being would want to live." The verbal assault, which continued over the weekend, has drawn fierce criticism from across the political spectrum.
Targeting a Prominent Critic
The tweets took direct aim at Congressman Cummings, a high-profile Democrat and chairman of the House Oversight Committee, who had been a staunch critic of the Trump administration. Trump accused Cummings of spending too much time in Baltimore and claimed his district was "far worse and more dangerous" than the US-Mexico border.
This attack is seen by many political analysts as part of a pattern, following similar criticisms Trump has levelled against other communities of colour and their representatives.
A Wave of Condemnation and Defence
The response was swift and severe. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, a Republican, stated that his state was "stronger than cheap political attacks" and that leaders should focus on bringing people together.
Democratic presidential candidates were united in their outrage. Senator Elizabeth Warren called the comments "racist and hateful," while Senator Bernie Sanders accused Trump of racism for attacking a "strong African American leader." Even within his own party, voices of dissent emerged, with Republican commentator and Trump supporter Geraldo Rivera calling the tweets "indefensible."
However, Trump's press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, came to the President's defence on Monday, telling Fox News that Trump was "pushing back against... accusations of racism" and was merely highlighting "the horrible job" Cummings had done for his district.
Baltimore's Resilient Response
Residents and leaders of Baltimore have fiercely defended their city. Mayor Bernard C. Jack Young fired back, labelling Trump a "disappointment to the people of Baltimore" and accusing him of engaging in "dangerous, hurtful, and dishonest rhetoric."
The controversy has once again placed Trump's use of language and his polarising political strategy under intense scrutiny, highlighting the deep divisions within American society.
