Trump escalates rhetoric against Baltimore

President Trump on Thursday stepped up his criticism of Baltimore and other diverse cities he said were run by Democrats who "deliver poverty for their constituents and privilege for themselves," The Washington Post reports. Trump, speaking at a rally in the swing state of Ohio, said federal funding sent to these cities was "stolen money and it's wasted money, and it's a shame."

Trump has previously singled out Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), the African-American chair of a House committee investigating the Trump administration, and his majority-black Baltimore-area district, prompting allegations of racism from Democrats. This time he didn't mention any lawmakers by name. "We can name one after another, but I won't do that, because I don't want to be controversial," Trump said.

You can watch video of the rally via NBC News.