Bowser: Trump Threat To Defund 'Anarchist' Cities Political Stunt

WASHINGTON, DC — Mayor Muriel Bowser called President Trump's request to review funding for what he called "anarchist cities" a political stunt.

"The president, instead of talking about the failures of the last four years, especially the COVID-19 national response, the failure of the economy, and the failure to really move meaningful legislation for the people, whether its unemployment or small business relief, as a distraction, he's focused on American cities, where millions of Americans live," Bowser said, during a Thursday afternoon press briefing. "I said the other day that a president who attacks American cities is really attacking America."

The memo signed by Trump on Wednesday orders a review of federal funds going to New York City, Seattle, Portland and Washington, D.C. — four cities with recent protests and, at times, violence.

"My Administration will not allow Federal tax dollars to fund cities that allow themselves to deteriorate into lawless zones," the memo states.

Bowser was called out by name in the memo, saying she "allowed rioters and anarchists to engage in violence and destruction in late May and early June, requiring me to call in the National Guard to maintain law and order in the Nation’s Capital."

Trump's order dovetails with his recent campaign rhetoric painting "Democrat" cities as beset by anarchy and violence.

Bowser said she would spend some time looking at the memo.

"Hopefully we won't have to waste too much time on it and we are going to treat it really seriously," she said.

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Trump Threatens To Cut NYC Funding Over 'Anarchy'