Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings reacted on Saturday to President Trump’s persistent criticism of Baltimore over the past week.
“I want people to come to Baltimore,” Cummings said to reporters at a park dedication in Baltimore, adding, “we are a great city.”
The Democrat, responding to Trump’s assertion that Baltimore was a “disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess,” and other incendiary remarks about Charm City, declined to directly mention the president.
Cummings was dressed head-to-toe in apparel from Under Armour, a company headquartered in Baltimore. He encouraged people to visit the city, which makes up a large part of his congressional district. “Come to Baltimore, do not just criticize us. But come to Baltimore and I promise you, you will be welcome,” he said.
The congressman did not address the city’s violent crime rate or rat problem, both of which drew criticism from Trump. Cummings also complimented the Baltimore Sun, whose editorial board penned a scathing rebuke of the president last weekend.
“There are not many things to feed my soul. I do not have time for people who want to trash our city,” Cummings said.
