New Haven Mayor Harp Draws Trump's Ire: Report

NEW HAVEN, CT — New Haven Mayor Toni Harp drew the displeasure of President Donald Trump Wednesday when she decided not to attend a White House event for mayors across the country. Harp decided not to attend over an issue regarding sanctuary cities.

Harp was already in Washington, D.C. to take part in the U.S. Conference of Mayors, according to the New Haven Register.

Trump called on Harp to stand along with several other mayors, but she wasn't present. Trump then joked that she might be a "sanctuary city person," according to a White House pool report.

Harp told the New Haven Independent that she got a text that the Justice Department would seek 23 subpoenas for sanctuary cities if they didn't cooperate with federal efforts.

At the time she didn't know if New Haven was on the list; it turned out not to be on the list.

Trump then went on to scold other mayors who decided not to attend the event and said they put the needs of illegal immigrants over law-abiding Americans.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy said he was proud to stand behind Harp's decision.

"Unlike this president, she is a brilliant and thoughtful leader who stands for the values that make Connecticut strong," he said. "Our state will continue to push for diversity and inclusion, despite the president’s attempts to sow division and racial resentment."

Image via City of New Haven