Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) has called on President Trump to apply the same level of pressure on Russia as he has towards cities like Washington, D.C., and Chicago.
“It’s interesting, you know, the way he approached Greenland and Canada when he first took office. I’m wondering why he’s not being as tough on Russia,” Moskowitz remarked during an interview on “Morning Joe.”
“It seems like Trump is more assertive in dealing with issues in Chicago than with Putin.”
Since beginning his second term, Trump has urged for an end to the conflict in Ukraine, occasionally threatening sanctions against Russia, but has yet to take any substantial punitive measures against the Kremlin.
Earlier this month, Trump rolled out the red carpet for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, shortly before meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Meanwhile, Trump has insisted on deploying federal law enforcement and National Guard troops to tackle crime in the capital.
The White House announced that over 1,000 arrests have occurred since federal agents were sent to D.C. two weeks ago.
On Monday, Trump signed several executive orders aimed at eliminating cashless bail, increasing penalties for disrespecting American flags, and creating “specialized units” within the National Guard to maintain public order.
On August 11, he declared he would take control of the police in Washington, D.C. and sent in the National Guard, hinting that other Democratic-led cities could face similar actions, mentioning Chicago specifically.
However, on Monday, he seemed to soften his stance, suggesting it might be better for state and local officials to request federal help.
“I was telling some people that they should really ask if they want assistance. I don’t want to intrude on cities and deal with corrupt politicians,” Trump said in the Oval Office.
Oka has reached out to the White House for further comments.
