Kansas City, Mo. Mayor: Yes There Is Crime in My City, But Trump’s Attacking Black Mayors

BOLDUAN: “It is an important distinction that we will continue to make going forward, collaboration versus a takeover, that distinction that I’m hearing from you. I saw you also quoted saying that you don’t think that Trump listed Kansas City amongst the cities that he was looking at because you’re in a Republican-controlled state. I’m thinking about it, but couldn’t that also make the case that it would be easier for him to move in since you have a Republican governor?”
LUCAS: “You would think it is, but where’s the political intrigue and fun in that? I mean, the last time we talked, we probably were talking about the Kansas City Chiefs or something of that sort, but we are not —”
BOLDUAN: “Of course we were.”
LUCAS: “— necessarily known as a big — (Laughter) — we were not necessarily — I mean, we are not necessarily a big blue liberal bastion. Now, it is easier to attack and sue cities like Washington, New York, Baltimore, Los Angeles. They have black mayors like I am. But nonetheless, those are cities that are often in political discourse. President Trump is attracted to major cities. I think he should have run for mayor one day of somewhere. And I think that’s a lot of where this focus is coming from. Looking at places — and I love all these cities, don’t get me wrong, I won’t name them, but looking at major red state big cities where perhaps there are public safety issues is not nearly as interesting as a partisan point, because then it is Republican governors who are dropping the ball. And then it’s not as interesting from just a broader political point because they’re not cities that are discussed as much. This is nothing but a wedge issue against American cities and against American mayors who largely don’t have the same megaphone to respond.”
BOLDUAN: “Something you just mentioned is the cities that he’s calling out and the cities that he’s focused on, as you mentioned, many of them black mayors. Do you think there’s race driving this?”
LUCAS: “You know, I think there — there is. I won’t say that’s like the totality of it, but I absolutely think it is. You’re trying to create a counterpoint often in politics. And what is a better counterpoint than Donald Trump in whatever way you see him, and a mayor, black women mayors have been the subject of lots of attacks. I think Karen Bass from really the moment President Trump came to office in L.A. is someone who’s had to deal with that back and forth. He likes to pick fights. I think he sees the situation where there’s that distinction. And by the way, this is one of the best fights to pick, because what I have to sit in front of you and say is, yes, there are homicides in my city, yes, there is crime, but we don’t think the same prescription of help is necessary. It’s a tough position. But I think, frankly, this is the situation we’re in. And he’s not really interested in trying to save lives for us, but just exploiting the political issue.”
BOLDUAN: “Very interesting. Mayor, it is good to see you. Thank you so much for coming in.”