Trump’s ‘terrible city’ comment about Milwaukee sparks controversy – NBC Chicago

With a month to go before the Republican National Convention, presumptive nominee and former President Donald Trump is in hot water after reportedly calling the convention’s host city “terrible” during a meeting with Republicans in Congress.

Trump called Milwaukee a “terrible city” during a meeting with House Republicans on Thursday, according to a report by Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News.

Following that report, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson wasted no time in defending his city when asked to respond to Trump’s comments during a press conference.

“If Donald Trump wants to talk about things he finds terrible, we have all lived through his presidency. So, right back to you, buddy,” Johnson said. “It’s kind of strange that he would insult Wisconsin’s largest city because he’s running for president. He absolutely wants to win Wisconsin, win the election. So insulting the state that organizes your conference is actually quite bizarre, I think. It’s a bit unhinged.”

Wisconsin’s Republican congressmen were among several Republican officials who pushed back on the report. I was in the room. President Trump did not say this. There is no better place than Wisconsin in July,” U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil tweeted.

Other Republicans said the quote was taken out of context.

‘Trump specifically referenced Milwaukee’s crime rate’ U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden said.

Regardless of Trump’s intentions, CTY leaders said they are making progress in reducing crime and investing in public safety.

Peggy Williams-Smith, the president and CEO of the tourism agency Visit Milwaukee, responded to Trump’s comments in the following statement.

“Milwaukee is a great city, attracting millions of visitors each year who fall in love with everything we know about this city to be great. The Washington Post just named Milwaukee one of the best cities in the country in the summer. “Top Chef” loved Milwaukee so much that they filmed a season here. We know it’s only a matter of time before everyone discovers all the great things we have to offer!”

The tourism board also pointed out that National Geographic included Milwaukee in its 2023 “Best Places in the World” article. That was after writer Andrew Nelson fell in love with the Midwestern city’s lakefront, museums and hospitality , and included Milwaukee in a book he wrote. called ‘Here Not There’.

“If you’ve never been to Milwaukee, you might not know how wonderful it is. So I’m very optimistic that all the newcomers who visit Milwaukee in July will find it to be a wonderful, engaging city with the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.” you can imagine,” says Nelson, author of National Geographic books.

New questions have also arisen about whether Trump will appear in person at the RNC, as his sentencing is set for July 11, four days before the convention begins on July 15.

Published reports from NBC News have detailed how the former president is preparing for a scenario in which he is under house arrest and unable to attend the convention.