Muriel Bowser, the Democratic mayor of Washington, D.C., spent much of President Donald Trump’s first term as a political foe. Ahead of his second term, however, she seems to be striking a more conciliatory tone.
Like several others on the left, her apparent change of heart comes after Trump graciously agreed to meet with her to discuss a range of political priorities.
As the New York Post reported:
“Today, President Trump and I had a great meeting to discuss our shared priorities for the President’s second term,” Bowser said in a statement.
The three-term Democratic mayor indicated that she and Trump agreed on wanting the nation’s capital “to be the best, most beautiful city in the world” and “reflect the strength” of the United States.
“We discussed areas for collaboration between local and federal government, especially around our federal workforce, underutilized federal buildings, parks and green spaces, and infrastructure,” Bowser added. “I am optimistic that we will continue to find common ground with the President during his second term, and we look forward to supporting a successful inauguration on January 20.”
While some celebrated the potential for bipartisan progress over the next four years, several critics responded to Bowser’s statement by pointing out her behavior during the first Trump administration, and particularly in response to COVID-19:
You won't get away with what you did last time. ALL EYES ON YOU!
— ParticipationTrophyWife (@cynkirkland) December 31, 2024
You should go to prison for conspiring with the CCP. You allowed the J6ers to be treated like scum. You are a disgrace and should be removed from office as no one can walk safely in the streets of D.C. I hope Trump's incoming administration prosecutes you for civil rights…
— nunya (@nunya88788772) December 31, 2024
This the woman who ordered a 6pm curfew on J6? Who arrested people for standing outside their hotels after 6 just smoking a cig? The woman who worked with Pelosi in planning J6? The woman who made DC into a 3rd world city that day?
— FootstepsOfLostTruth (@FLT_Ty) December 31, 2024
Did you bring up the fact that you would not accept the National Guard on J6 to protect the Capitol?
— Let's Use Common Sense (@IM4CommonSense1) December 31, 2024
Written by the DC Mayor through clenched teeth.
— Tony (@Inlabswetrust) December 31, 2024
The Hill chronicled some of the mayor’s previous dust-ups with Trump:
In 2018, Trump said he was canceling a military parade through D.C., blaming local politicians for the $92 million price tag.
Bowser responded to Trump’s comment with some sarcasm, claiming to be the local politician who “finally” got through to the “reality star in the White House.”
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