Trump Administration, Frequently Critical Of Baltimore, Has Used City As Backdrop For Several Speeches Including VP Pence's RNC Address
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Vice President Mike Pence returned to Baltimore for one of the most important speeches of his political career—as he made his case for a second term for President Trump at the Republican National Convention.
The office of Maryland's Republican Governor Larry Hogan told WJZ he would not attend.
Pence's choice of Fort McHenry to make that address has drawn criticism. The Coalition To Protect America's National Parks has called it "inappropriate" to use the fort "for political gain."
They released photos of a forklift they say damaged a brick walkway during the preparations.
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During his term as vice president, Pence has made repeated visits to Baltimore. He toured the port, addressed immigration agents and previously stopped at Fort McHenry.
The historic Fort is a favorite backdrop of the Trump Administration. President Trump spoke there on Memorial Day.
But the president has frequently criticized the city during his time in office.
He tweeted during a feud with the late Congressman Elijah Cummings that the city was a "disgusting rat and rodent infested mess."
During his visit last year, protesters greeted the president with a giant inflatable rat in his likeness.
Baltimore has been in the spotlight for the Democrats as well—with now-Vice Presidential nominee Kamala Harris choosing the city as her campaign headquarters during her presidential run.
Kimberly Klacik, a Republican who is running for the 7th district congressional seat, addressed the convention in a pre-recorded speech from Baltimore earlier this week.
