Trump Threatens To Block Federal Funding To ‘Lawless’ Cities Under Democratic Leadership

President Trump on Wednesday threatened to block federal funding to “lawless” cities under Democratic leadership.

A five-page memo signed by Trump asks federal agencies to submit a summary of all federal funds given to Seattle, Portland, New York City and Washington, D.C., within 14 days. The Department of Justice is also directed to draw up a list of “anarchist jurisdictions,” areas “that have permitted violence and the destruction of property to persist and have refused to undertake reasonable measures to counteract these criminal activities.”

“My Administration will not allow Federal tax dollars to fund cities that allow themselves to deteriorate into lawless zones,” the memo says. “It is imperative that the Federal Government review the use of Federal funds by jurisdictions that permit anarchy, violence, and destruction in America’s cities.”

This is the latest move by Trump to promote his “law and order” message ahead of the November election. Trump has frequently feuded with Democratic governors and mayors, claiming they have not done enough to quell violence and rioting amid anti-police brutality protests in recent months.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, attacked Trump over the move. “He is not a king. He cannot ‘defund’ NYC. It’s an illegal stunt,” Cuomo tweeted, referring to Trump.

In a Pittsburgh address on Monday, Democratic nominee Joe Biden claimed Trump is fomenting violence in U.S. cities for political gain ahead of the November election.

“He can’t stop the violence — because for years he has fomented it,” Biden said in the address.

“Our current president wants you to live in fear,” Biden added. “He advertises himself as a figure of order. He isn’t.”