Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee rips Trump, says city will stand against threats
President Donald Trump's comments regarding Oakland during a press conference have provoked a fierce response from city officials, who accused him of fearmongering and distorting the truth about crime. Mayor Barbara Lee, recalling her experiences during Trump's first administration, stated her administration would not back down against such threats. She emphasized that Oakland's legal team is reviewing the constitutionality of Trump's statements, particularly regarding the National Guard's deployment. Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas labeled Trump's actions an abuse of power, asserting they are not focused on safety but rather on instilling fear. Several councilmembers echoed these sentiments, with Councilmember Janani Ramachandran suggesting Trump aims to distract from his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
The press conference followed recent ICE detentions in East Oakland, which have raised concerns about community safety and treatment of immigrants. Local leaders expressed their commitment to public safety improvements while advocating for immigrant support. They pledged to stand firm against Trump's divisive tactics to protect their communities.