Baltimore, MD – U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin responded Friday to criticism from House Republicans, who referenced Baltimore’s crime rate and the television series “The Wire” in a post on social media.
The exchange began when the House Judiciary GOP praised President Donald Trump for sending National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., crediting the move with reducing crime there. The same post suggested Trump might deploy federal troops to other cities including Baltimore, Chicago, and New Orleans, despite opposition from local officials.
“Crime in DC has plummeted because of President Trump,” read the Republican message on X. “Democrats are still opposed. Why?” The post continued: “How’s the crime in Baltimore (D)? Ever seen ‘The Wire’?”
Raskin replied by pointing out that “The Wire” was a fictional show that aired more than two decades ago. “‘The Wire’? Um, came out 23 years ago & was a fictional TV show, ie made-up!” he wrote.
He added: “Crime’s down in the real Baltimore. Homicide is terrible in Speaker [Mike] Johnson’s Baton Rouge. Why don’t we work together to restore $800 million in DOJ (U.S. Department of Justice) local police & community security grants that DOGE (U.S. Department of Government Efficiency) cut?”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott also spoke against the idea of deploying federal troops during a walk through Park Heights neighborhood on Friday. Moore called the president’s proposal “disrespectful.” Scott said, “We do not need an occupation. We do not need troops on our streets.”
Raskin did not immediately respond to requests for further comment on Saturday.
Social media reactions varied following Raskin’s remarks, with some users supporting increased federal involvement while others criticized the comparison to “The Wire” and defended city leadership.
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This story was originally published September 6, 2025 at 6:45 PM.
