"If Wes Moore needs help like Gavin Newsom in Los Angeles, I will send the troops currently stationed in nearby Washington, D.C. and quickly clean up the crime," U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on social media on 24/8, referring to California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Tensions between Trump and Moore escalated when the Maryland governor criticized the proposed troop deployment to Baltimore. The president then described Moore as a "bad guy" and threatened to cut federal funding intended to help Maryland repair a bridge collapse in Baltimore last year.

Governor Moore told CNN he had invited the president to walk the streets of Baltimore to refute the "antics and scare tactics" Trump uses.

"Hey Donald, we can get you a golf cart if that makes it easier for you," Governor Moore quipped.

U.S. President Donald Trump (right) and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Photo: The Banner/AP

U.S. President Donald Trump (right) and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Photo: The Banner/AP

For his part, Trump said, "He'd better fix the crime disaster before I come there for a stroll," pointing to Moore's "terrible" record on crime.

The Maryland governor countered, stating that the murder rate in Maryland has decreased by more than 30% since he became governor. "The last time the murder rate in Baltimore was this low, I wasn't even born."

Wes Moore, 46, is a U.S. Army veteran and the third African American elected governor of a U.S. state.

This month, Trump deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C. to address "violent crime" in the capital. In June, Trump also sparked controversy by ordering nearly 5,000 troops to Los Angeles, drawing sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Thuy Lam (According to AFP)