New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said President Trump would not be welcomed back in the city after his presidency is over.
The New York mayor sat for an interview with BuzzFeed Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith on Thursday night at “Internet Live,” an event hosted by BuzzFeed to highlight popular online celebrities and viral wonders such as “Old Town Road” singer Lil Nas X.
De Blasio, a long-shot Democratic presidential candidate, used the event to challenge Trump to a debate after the president criticized de Blasio’s leadership of the city on Thursday. Trump, a native New Yorker, had called on the NYC mayor to “act immediately” after two videos surfaced of people jeering at and dumping water on New York cops.
“I challenge you, Donald Trump, to come to New York City, and I will debate you about what’s right for New York City and BuzzFeed can host it,” de Blasio said. “Because he doesn’t understand New York City, and when his presidency is over really soon, he will not be welcomed back in New York City.”
Donald Trump seems to have a lot to say about New York City lately.
So I issued him a challenge last night @BuzzFeed. pic.twitter.com/q3TB7d9pNO
— Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) July 26, 2019
Trump had called the behavior shown in the videos a “total disgrace.”
“We love our Law Enforcement Officers all around this great Country. What took place in NYC with water being tossed on NYPD officers was a total disgrace,” Trump tweeted. “It is time for @NYCMayor @BilldeBlasio to STAND UP for those who protect our lives and serve us all so well.”
“What took place was completely unacceptable, and will not be tolerated. Bill de Blasio should act immediately!” Trump said.
…What took place was completely unacceptable, and will not be tolerated. Bill de Blasio should act immediately!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2019
