Representative Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican, found himself in the spotlight on NBC News’ Meet the Press when questioned by guest host Peter Alexander about former President Donald Trump‘s recent remarks regarding Milwaukee, the chosen city for the upcoming Republican National Convention in July.
According to reports, Trump reportedly called Milwaukee a “horrible city” during a meeting with congressional Republicans. Although some Republicans denied this, Trump later confirmed his statement during an interview with Fox News. He mentioned concerns about crime rates and alleged voter fraud in the city following President Joe Biden’s win in Wisconsin.
When pressed about holding the convention in a city Trump criticized, Donalds, rumored to be on Trump’s vice-presidential shortlist, defended the decision by emphasizing the need for context in media coverage.
Donalds clarified that Trump’s remarks were about voter fraud and crime rates, stressing the importance of understanding the full picture. He explained that the Republican National Committee chose Milwaukee to address concerns shared by voters in Wisconsin and across the nation regarding the current state of the country under Biden’s leadership.
In a post-Meet the Press tweet, Donalds highlighted discontent among Wisconsinites with Democrat policies, mentioning border security, cost of living, crime rates, and other issues as areas of concern.
Wisconsinites are FED-UP with the failures & constant, self-made crises of radical Democrats:
Our border’s in CRISIS.
Our cost-of-living’s in CRISIS.
Our communities have a crime CRISIS.
Our weaponized gov. sparked a lawfare CRISIS.
Our weakness has caused foreign policy CRISES. pic.twitter.com/iJ3FKPy2oK— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) June 16, 2024
Responding to Trump’s comments, Milwaukee spokesperson Randolph defended the city, emphasizing its diverse population, sports teams, and brewing tradition. He expressed disappointment in Trump’s views and predicted a strong response from Milwaukee voters in the upcoming elections.
FBI data shows Milwaukee reported 8,474 violent crimes in 2022. While crime rates in Wisconsin are below the national average, the city remains a focal point of discussion regarding safety and voter integrity.