Baltimore Mayor Touts City's Transformation Despite Trump Criticism

Data shows decline in murders, vacant buildings, and population growth in recent years

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is touting the city's transformation in recent years, despite past criticism from former President Trump. Since 2019, when Baltimore had one of the highest murder rates in the nation, the city has seen a 25% drop in vacant buildings, population growth in 2024, and a nearly 50-year low in murders, according to city data. Scott says Baltimore is on a path to becoming the "greatest comeback story in the country" through a targeted strategy to address issues like vacant properties and gun violence.

Why it matters

Baltimore has long struggled with high crime rates and urban blight, drawing criticism from national figures like former President Trump. The city's progress in recent years, if sustained, could help change perceptions and attract new investment and residents to the area.

The details

Mayor Scott is implementing a 15-year, $3 billion strategy to address vacant properties block-by-block in Baltimore. The city has seen a 25% decline in vacant buildings since 2019. Additionally, the murder rate has dropped to a nearly 50-year low, and the population grew in 2024 after years of decline. Scott says the city is "doing all of this together" to become the "greatest comeback story in the country."

  • In 2019, Baltimore's murder rate hit an all-time high.
  • In 2024, Baltimore's population grew after years of decline.
  • In August 2025, former President Trump declined an invitation to visit Baltimore, calling it a "hellhole."

The players

Brandon Scott

The mayor of Baltimore who has been implementing a strategy to address the city's challenges since taking office in 2020.

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland who invited former President Trump to visit Baltimore in 2025.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has been critical of Baltimore, calling it a "hellhole" and suggesting sending in the National Guard.

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What they’re saying

“When it looks like someone doesn't care, right, people who want to do bad things are going to come.”

— Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore (CBS News)

“We are doing all of this together because Baltimoreans believe that we are the greatest comeback story in the country.”

— Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore (CBS News)

“I'm not walking in Baltimore right now. Baltimore is a hellhole.”

— Donald Trump (CBS News)

What’s next

Mayor Scott and state officials will continue to implement their long-term strategy to address Baltimore's challenges, with a focus on reducing vacant properties and gun violence.

The takeaway

Baltimore's progress in recent years, including declines in vacant buildings and murders, suggests the city may be on a path to redemption after years of struggle. However, the city still faces significant challenges, and sustained effort will be required to fully transform Baltimore's reputation and trajectory.