During a speech in Bakersfield, California, on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said he may have the federal government “step in” and take control of Los Angeles and San Francisco, claiming that he was concerned about the problem of homelessness in the Golden State:
“It’s something that we’re going to do something about. Because if they don’t fix it up, clean it up, take care of the homeless, do what they have to do but clean up their city, the federal government is going to have to step in. And we’re going to do it in Los Angeles and San Francisco.”
Seconds later, however, the president made it clear the real reason for making such a threat was nothing but his own personal political agenda and anger over the fact that he was impeached:
“Get rid of Pelosi! That’s okay with me! Lot of people agree. Look what’s happened to San Francisco. So sad what’s happened, when you see a slum, where it’s a slum. It’s worse than a slum. There’s no slum like that.”
The Los Angeles Times reports that Trump also told reporters that San Francisco was a haven for drug use:
“We’re really taking a role in it. I see it, I see what’s happening to L.A., I see what’s happening to San Francisco, I see what’s happening to some great cities…. You have needles, you have things that we don’t want to discuss all over the streets.”
The president’s comments also come just days after his administration announced that more officials would be deployed to sanctuary cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York, despite indications by local authorities that they will refuse to assist federal immigration authorities as they seek to bolster Trump’s poll numbers among his base.
Eric Garcetti, mayor of Los Angeles, said last Friday that his city will not cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, noting:
“Regardless of your immigration status, I want every Angeleno to know your city is on your side. Here in Los Angeles, our police department does not coordinate with ICE or participate in immigration enforcement.”
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