Trump spoke at about 8 p.m. at an annual retreat of congressional Republicans, held at the Marriott Waterfront hotel in Harbor East.
He mentioned Baltimore’s “failed and corrupt” leadership, toward the end of his speech.
“We’re going to fight for the future of cities like Baltimore that have been destroyed by decades of failed and corrupt rule,” the president said.
That sentence was the only reference to the city, about a month after Trump’s criticism of U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings and reference to Baltimore as a rodent-infested mess.
He also tweeted out a photo of Pratt Street at the Harbor, saying “Hello Baltimore!” as he arrived in the city.
Most of Trump’s speech cited what he considers many of his achievements, such as measures to help veterans, improve medical care and the environment and confronting gangs. He also took jabs at many of his political opponents.
Republicans at the event generously cheered Trump’s comments, and chanted “Four more years” as he came out.
He did not take questions from reporters.
Donald J. Trump
✔@realDonaldTrump
Hello Baltimore!
Joy Lambert
✔@JoyLambert
President Trump says, “We’re gonna build that wall, it’s being built. We will have 500miles of wall built by the end of next year.. built despite the most destructive group of people I’ve ever seen.” @FOXBaltimore #baltimore
Joy Lambert
✔@JoyLambert
House Republicans chant “Four More Years” as @POTUS takes the stage in #Baltimore. @FOXBaltimore
Joy Lambert
✔@JoyLambert
#MarineOne leaving Baltimore. Where the President’s only remark on the City was calling it “failed and corrupt.” He did not allow reporters to ask questions. @FOXBaltimore
Alexa Ashwell@AlexaAshwellThe President has arrived to Baltimore. @FOXBaltimore
Joy Lambert
✔@JoyLambert
President Trump arriving in Baltimore. @FOXBaltimore @POTUS
Joy Lambert
✔@JoyLambert
The President’s motorcade passing M&T Bank Stadium and approaching Camden Yards. #Baltimore @FOXBaltimore
Joy Lambert
✔@JoyLambert
With less than 3 hours on the ground President Trump is now back on Marine One leaving Baltimore. @FOXBaltimore
Alexa Ashwell@AlexaAshwellProtesters here in Harbor East ahead of President Trump’s visit. Someone placed this large blow up rat at President and Eastern. @FOXBaltimore
Joy Lambert
✔@JoyLambert
Massive security presence outside the @Marriott Waterfront as the House Republican retreat begins in Downtown Baltimore.
President Trump will speak at dinner. @FOXBaltimore
Alexa Ashwell@AlexaAshwellMore protesters ahead of President’s visit. @FOXBaltimore
The event caused some gridlock downtown, as city officials warned drivers to avoid much of the downtown area throughout Thursday.
At least one confrontation between a supporter and protester was seen in the Harbor East area.
This is a developing story. Stay with FOX45 for updates.
Alexa Ashwell@AlexaAshwellGraphic language. Strong words between President Trump supporter and protestor. @FOXBaltimore
