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Plainfield Today
By the People, for the People
Mayors Confront or Accommodate Trump to Serve Their Cities
Some mayors take a confrontational approach, while others seek accommodation with the White House to secure federal funding and resources for their communities.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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Mayors across the country are navigating a complex relationship with the Trump administration, with some choosing to publicly confront the president's policies while others seek accommodation to secure federal funding and resources for their cities. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has taken a confrontational approach, urging his peers to "stand up to bullies" and speaking out against federal immigration enforcement actions. Other mayors, like Plainfield, New Jersey's Adrian Mapp and Noblesville, Indiana's Chris Jensen, have opted for a more pragmatic approach, focusing on local issues and bipartisanship to get things done for their constituents. The article explores the various strategies mayors are employing to serve their cities in an increasingly partisan political environment.
Why it matters
The relationship between mayors and the federal government has become increasingly strained, with the Trump administration taking a more confrontational approach towards cities, particularly those with large Democratic populations. This dynamic is forcing mayors to choose between confrontation or accommodation in order to secure critical federal funding and resources for their communities. The way mayors navigate this challenge will have significant implications for the ability of cities to effectively serve their residents.
The details
Mayors are facing a range of challenges in their dealings with the Trump administration, including threats to withhold federal funding, increased immigration enforcement actions, and the deployment of National Guard troops. Some mayors, like Jacob Frey of Minneapolis, have taken a public, confrontational approach, urging their peers to "stand up to bullies" and speaking out against federal overreach. Others, like Plainfield, New Jersey's Adrian Mapp and Noblesville, Indiana's Chris Jensen, have opted for a more pragmatic, bipartisan approach, focusing on local issues and working to accommodate the administration in order to secure critical resources for their cities. The article highlights the diverse strategies mayors are employing to navigate this challenging political landscape.
- Five days after federal immigration enforcement agents killed the second of his constituents, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey spoke at a gathering of mayors in Washington, D.C.
- Five days after Frey's speech, President Donald Trump said he would pull 700 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents out of Minneapolis, with 2,300 remaining.
The players
Jacob Frey
The mayor of Minneapolis, a liberal city, who has taken a confrontational approach in responding to the Trump administration's policies, particularly around immigration enforcement.
Adrian Mapp
The mayor of Plainfield, New Jersey, and the son of immigrants, who has said that some disagreements with the federal government can feel like a personal and political battle, but that residents expect their mayor to fight for them.
Chris Jensen
The two-term mayor of Noblesville, Indiana, and a registered Republican who used to work for former Indiana Republican Governor Mitch Daniels, who believes that mayors must embrace bipartisanship to get resources for their constituents.
What they’re saying
“Mayors, we do not back down to bullies. We stand up for democracy.”
— Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
“There is a sense in our community that this is what people want from their mayor — to know we're standing up, putting resources together and doing everything we can to support those who are affected.”
— Adrian Mapp, Mayor of Plainfield, New Jersey (Stateline)
“Mayors don't get to go on cable news and just repeat talking points. We have to do the work every single day. Snow has to be plowed. Roads have to be built. Trash has to be picked up. That's not partisan, that's just governing.”
— Chris Jensen, Mayor of Noblesville, Indiana (Stateline)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
