Congressmen Johnny Olszewski and Kweisi Mfume Urge Trump to Reconsider National Guard Deployment in Baltimore

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Baltimore Representatives Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) and Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) today urged President Donald Trump to reconsider any plans to deploy federal troops to the city. In a letter, the lawmakers highlighted a 30 percent decline in homicides and a 21 percent decline in non-fatal shootings in Baltimore over the last year.

Baltimore is experiencing its safest period in more than 50 years, the lawmakers said, in part, thanks to community-based initiatives and targeted investments in programs that build trust between Baltimoreans and local law enforcement. They discouraged any efforts that would erode the progress already underway.

"We continue to welcome federal partnership where appropriate and in pursuit of shared goals. However, local governments rightfully bear the primary and most immediate responsibility for law enforcement," the lawmakers wrote. "They are on the front lines every day - deeply connected to the community, its people, and its unique challenges. This is precisely why federal law places clear limits on the use of military forces for domestic policing."

"Therefore, this proposed deployment of federal troops, in our opinion, would be unnecessary. We respectfully ask that you reconsider any plans to deploy federal troops into our communities and instead support local leaders in pursuing solutions rooted in justice, accountability, and peace."

A copy of Congressmen Mfume and Olszewski's letter is available HERE and below.

Dear President Trump:

Public safety is one of the most fundamental and sacred responsibilities of government, and effectively ensuring the security of all our residents requires close collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities.

As Members of Congress proudly representing the City of Baltimore, we strongly urge you to reconsider any potential deployment of federal troops to Baltimore in opposition of the wishes of state and local elected leaders.

Here in Maryland, collaborative partnerships from those truly invested in the city's future are already contributing to a historic and significant reduction in violent crime. As of September 1, 2025, Baltimore City has experienced nearly a 30 percent decrease in homicides and a 21 percent decline in non-fatal shootings compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, other categories of crime have also seen notable reductions. Overall, Baltimore is experiencing its safest period in more than 50 years.

This progress is the direct result of intentional, targeted investments in evidence-based programs, including Baltimore's Group Violence Reduction Strategy, which focuses resources on the most at-risk individuals - along with other policing and community-based efforts to foster trust between residents and law enforcement and expand economic opportunities. Together, these initiatives are laying the foundation for lasting public safety.

Inundating our communities with federal troops could severely erode trust and undermine the real progress already underway.

We continue to welcome federal partnership where appropriate and in pursuit of shared goals. However, local governments rightfully bear the primary and most immediate responsibility for law enforcement. They are on the front lines every day - deeply connected to the community, its people, and its unique challenges. This is precisely why federal law places clear limits on the use of military forces for domestic policing.

Therefore, this proposed deployment of federal troops, in our opinion, would be unnecessary.

We respectfully ask that you reconsider any plans to deploy federal troops into our communities and instead support local leaders in pursuing solutions rooted in justice, accountability, and peace.

Sincerely,

Kweisi Mfume Johnny Olszewski, Jr.
Member of Congress Member of Congress


cc: Mayor Brandon M. Scott, City of Baltimore