Context:

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott criticized a Baltimore Sun article about drug trafficking in Baltimore, labeling it as part of President Trump's propaganda. Scott refused to read the article, claiming it was influenced by the president's agenda, and emphasized his personal commitment to addressing the city's long-standing drug issues. He acknowledged the severity of the problem and the fear residents face, illustrated by a resident's comparison of drug traffic to a fast-food drive-thru. Scott highlighted the progress made since 1993 but admitted that the eradication of drug problems would not happen overnight. Jake Tapper defended the Baltimore Sun's journalistic integrity, suggesting that while the editorial board may lean conservative, the news stories are reliable.

Dive Deeper:

• Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott dismissed a Baltimore Sun article on drug trafficking as propaganda linked to President Trump, asserting he did not read it due to its perceived bias.

• During an interview with Jake Tapper, Scott responded to concerns about residents feeling trapped in neighborhoods overrun by drug activity, exemplified by a 77-year-old woman's fear of violence on her block.

• Scott shared his personal experiences with violence and emphasized his deep commitment to combating drug problems in Baltimore, driven by his history as an anti-violence advocate.

• He acknowledged the complexity of the drug issue and communicated that while progress has been made since his childhood in 1993, solutions will require sustained effort and time.

• Jake Tapper countered Scott's accusations against the Baltimore Sun, defending the credibility of its news reporting despite the editorial board's conservative leanings.