North American Women Mayors News

Women Mayors from North America

> Former US Congresswoman elected Oakland Mayor

> St Louis elects 3rd woman mayor

> North American mayors to fight tariffs

> Boston was born to face down bullies

> Mexico City to ban deadly bullfighting

Barbara Lee, a member of the US Congress from 1998 to 2023, elected Mayor of Oakland (CA)

USA / OAKLAND

Former US Congresswoman elected Mayor of Oakland (CA)

April 2025: Barbara Lee, a former member of the US House of Representatives, will be the next mayor of Oakland, California. She prevailed in a hard-fought special election, which was called after former mayor Sheng Thao was recalled in November 2024 and charged with corruption this January.

Born in El Paso, Texas, Barbara Lee’s family moved to California while she was in high school. She received a BA degree from Mills College in Oakland in 1973 and an MA from the University of California-Berkeley in 1975. Lee later served in the California State Assembly and State Senate before she was elected to the US Congress in 1998. After serving in Congress for more than 25 years, Barbara Lee ran unsuccessfully for California’s US Senate in the 2024 primary election. She now joins current Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and former San Francisco Mayor London Breed as Black women serving as mayors of major cities in California over the last few years. Lee is a member of the Democratic Party.

Oakland has faced significant challenges in recent years, including rising crime rates, a growing homelessness crisis, and a substantial budget deficit. In 2023, the city experienced its highest number of car thefts in over two decades, with a rate of approximately one car stolen for every 27 residents. Homelessness has doubled over the past decade, driven by a housing shortage. And the city's budget shortfall has led to cuts in public services and a hiring freeze.

Part of Mayor Lee’s 10-point plan includes directing the City Council to develop a budget that puts Oakland on solid financial footing. She also wants to establish stronger links between the leadership of the City’s police department and business leaders to keep the city safe. Another priority for Lee is deploying vegetation management crews to clear hazards in high fire danger zones to help protect residents and property from the growing threat of wildfires.

Sheng Thao, Oakland’s former Mayor, recalled by her fellow residents in November 2025, was in January 2025 charged with maintaining a corrupt relationship with her boyfriend, Andre Jones and David and Andy Duong, two of the Californian city’s best-known businessmen.

Further reading: American women in municipal government

USA / ST LOUIS

St Louis, Missouri, elects third woman mayor in a row

April 2025: After a bitter mayoral contest between two of St Louis’ (1) best-known women, the city on the Mississippi River elected its third female mayor in 12 years. Cara Spencer (2), a city alderwoman (councillor), defeated the incumbent mayor, Tishaura Jones (3), in an election held on 8 April 2025. Lyda Krewson served as Mayor from 2017 to 2021.

The 2025 mayoral election was a re-run of the 2021 contest but with the opposite outcome. Four years ago, Tishaura Jones defeated Cara Spencer by four percentage points, while this year, Spencer won the election in a landslide by 28 points. Some 64 per cent of voters cast their ballot for the challenger, with 36 per cent supporting the incumbent mayor. Only 28 per cent of registered voters bothered to go to the polls.

During the four years of Jones’ mayorship, there was little cooperation between the two women. During the campaign, Spencer focused her attack on Jones’ perceived failure to provide basic city services such as garbage collection, road safety and the city’s response to severe weather conditions. Mayor Jones, meanwhile, emphasised her administration’s achievement in reducing violent crime. “In the first three months of 2025, the St Louis police reported the lowest number of murders for 20 years.”

Financially, Tishaura Jones could not compete with her rival’s success in attracting money for her campaign. Cara Spencer raised more than US$1 million during the six weeks before the election. She also benefited from hundreds of thousands of dollars in PAC (4) spending. Much of the money raised by those PACs came from large developers and construction firms. The mayor-elect rejected the idea that the large financial contributions would make her beholden to property developers in the future.

St Louis’ public radio broadcaster (STLPR) warned of major challenges that await the mayor-elect. “The clock is ticking on the transition of the St Louis Metropolitan Police Department back to state control, which comes with financial impacts to the city.” The broadcaster also pointed out that “policy changes at the state and federal levels are also wreaking havoc on the city’s budget, and the revenue picture is already shaky.”

Notes

1) St Louis (Missouri) lies near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and has a population of 280,000. In the 2024 US presidential election, St Louis was one of only four counties in Missouri that backed Kamala Harris over Donald Trump

2) Cara Spencer served as a St Louis alderwoman (city councillor) from 2015 to 2023.

3) Tishaura Jones is a member of the Democratic Party. She served as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from 2008 to 2013.

4) In the US, a political action committee (PAC) is a tax-exempt organisation that pools campaign contributions from members and donates those funds to campaigns for or against political candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation.

USA / DEMONSTRATIONS

Anti-Trump protests in every American state and many European cities

April 2025: Tens of thousands of Americans voiced their anger against US President Trump’s recent undemocratic and dangerous actions. Some 1,400 ‘Hands Off!’* protests were held at state capitols, federal buildings, congressional offices, parks and city halls throughout the country. Organisers said people gathered where their voices were sure to be heard. The protesters demanded an end to actions whose sole purpose seemed to be to satisfy Trump’s prejudices and grievances. Protesters also demanded an end to Elon Musk’s growing involvement in the federal government through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The protest sites included the National Mall in Washington DC, state capitols and other locations in all 50 states including Boston, Chicago and New York.

Protesters assailed the Trump administration's moves to fire thousands of federal workers, close Social Security Administration field offices, effectively shutter entire agencies, deport immigrants, scale back protections for transgender people and cut federal funding for health programs. Musk, a Trump adviser who owns Tesla, SpaceX and the social media platform X, has played a key role in government downsizing as the head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.

In Massachusetts, thousands of people gathered on Boston Common holding signs including "Hands off our democracy," "Hands off our Social Security" and "Diversity equity inclusion makes America strong. Hands off!"

In Ohio, hundreds rallied in rainy conditions at the Statehouse in Columbus while thousands of people marched in New York City's midtown Manhattan. Hundreds of people also demonstrated in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, a few miles from Trump's golf course in Jupiter, where the president spent the morning at the club's Senior Club Championship.

Anti-Trump demonstrations were also held in Europe on 5 April 2025. In Frankfurt, Germany’s financial capital, ‘Hands Off!’ demonstration was organised by Democrats Abroad, the official organisation of the Democratic Party for US citizens living overseas.

In Berlin, protesting in front of a Tesla showroom, demonstrators held placards calling on fellow Americans living in Germany to protest for "an end to the chaos" at home.

In the French capital of Paris, several hundred people, mostly American, gathered on the Place de la République to protest against Trump. Some gave speeches to denounce the president, with protesters waving banners ranging from ‘Resist Tyrant’, ‘Rule of Law’, ‘Feminists for Freedom not fascism’ and ‘Save Democracy’. One sang and played the Bob Dylan song Masters of War.

Protests against Trump and Musk were also held in other European cities, including London and Lisbon.

In the British capital, a few hundred people gathered in Trafalgar Square, holding signs saying ‘Proud American Ashamed’. The crowd chanted ‘Hands off Canada’, ‘Hands off Greenland’ and ‘Hands off Ukraine’ while listening to speeches criticising Trump.

* ‘Hands Off!’ is a grassroots movement that objects to what participants describe as an undemocratic takeover of government resources and services.

Contributors: Deutsche Welle, Reuters, Newsweek, CNN

Further reading: Mayors from Canada, the US and Mexico unite |

USA / CANADA / TARIFFS

Great Lakes mayors unite to stave off tariff damage to regional economies

April 2025: The global tariffs announced by US President Trump on 2 April 2025 and earlier, in February, will almost immediately affect Canadian and US cities. This is especially true for communities near the US-Canadian border. Also affected will be places with industries that rely on the exchange of goods between Canada and the US. Already, American companies that buy from and sell to Canada have announced job and investment cuts. For example, Stellantis, the manufacturer of Chrysler trucks and Jeeps has announced that 900 jobs in five US plants will be suspended. The company also plans to temporarily halt production at plants in Canada and Mexico.

Mayors of the affected locations in both Canada and the US are understandably very concerned. Several Canadian mayors have announced countermeasures, while US mayors have reminded the Trump administration and members of Congress how much the tariffs will be hurting American families and businesses.

On the day of President Trump’s presentation of tariffs in front of an invited audience, mayors representing 270 communities in the US and Canada held a virtual meeting to examine the implications of the US government’s measure and discuss how best to respond.

Mayors from the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative called for urgent bilateral cooperation to prevent an all-out trade war. They urged unity and coordinated action to safeguard a bi-national economy — one that accounts for more than half of all Canada-US trade and generates over US$6 trillion in activity every year.

Marianne Meed Ward, mayor of Burlington, Ontario, home to several steel manufacturers, told the Canadian news portal National Observer that the impact of existing tariffs was already hitting local industries hard, particularly steel companies. Burlington has more than 8,800 employees and over 230 businesses that will be affected by the steel and aluminium tariffs, according to Environics data shared by the city.

“If the tariffs will be fully implemented, it will be devastating for our business community. The city could face layoffs, stalled investments, and even business closures, with ripple effects across the local economy as job losses reduce consumer spending,” the Burlington mayor explained.

The City of Toronto launched its 10-point plan to counter the impact of US tariffs, including tax deferrals for affected manufacturers, procurement reforms favouring Canadian-made goods, targeted support for auto parts suppliers, and efforts to expand global markets. The plan also includes a ‘Local Love’ campaign to promote Canadian products and a directive to reduce municipal use of US-based rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, and instead use local taxis.

Malik Evans, mayor of Rochester, New York, also expressed his outrage alongside his Canadian counterparts. “Tariffs will generate regressive cost increases on essential goods and services, delivering the greatest harm on those who can least afford to absorb them. I often say that talk of a trade war between the US and Canada reminds me of an African proverb that says, ‘When the elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers,’” Mayor Evans said during a virtual news conference that included the mayors of Chicago, Milwaukee, Toronto and several other cities.

Sources: Canada’s National Observer; City of Toronto; Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative; Rochester Business Journal

Further reading: Mayors from Canada, the US and Mexico unite |

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USA / BOSTON

Mayor Michelle Wu has a message for wannabe kings: “Boston was born facing down bullies.”

March 2025: In a defiant State of the City address, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu told her audience that the city would not be intimidated by rhetoric coming from the Trump White House. “No one tells Boston how to take care of our own,” Wu said in her speech. “Not kings, and not presidents who think they are kings.

Mayor Wu accused the Trump administration of wanting to divide American society. “Here in Boston”, she said, “we are a family.” “If you come for one of us, you will get all of us.”

“We are a city that knows our strength is each other, and we will defend the people we love with all that we’ve got. When the weight of the world presses down, Boston stands up.”

Recalling events in December 1773 (commonly known as the Boston Tea Party), the mayor said that throughout its history, the city has shown the country what can be achieved by standing up to wannabe strongmen. “Boston was born facing down bullies.”

And now, Mayor Wuy said, citing the Trump administration’s attacks on public servants, veterans, immigrants, the LGBT community, and educational institutions, the nation needed that leadership and strength from Boston. The mayor repeated that Boston would not back down from standing up against those attacks, even appearing to reference a previous threat from President Donald Trump’s ‘border czar’ Tom Homan, who said he would “bring hell” to the city.

“Boston is the target in this fight for our future because we are the cradle of democracy, pioneers of the public good, the stewards and keepers of the American Dream,” Wu said. “We were built on the values this federal administration seeks to tear down. But for 395 years, come high water or hell - no matter who threatens to bring it - Boston has stood up for the people we love and the country we built. And we’re not stopping now.”

Boston does not tolerate tyranny, the mayor said during the close of her speech, again stressing the city’s history of leading, standing up to pressure, and finding “strength in each other.

Concluding her address to the city, Mayor Wu warned Boston’s adversaries that we will defend the people we love with all that we’ve got. “I couldn’t ask for more in a family. God bless our City, God bless our people, and God save whoever messes with Boston.”

Sources: City of Boston; Boston Mayor’s Office; Boston.com

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MEXICO / MEXICO CITY

Mexico City to replace deadly bullfighting with bloodless combat between man and beast

March 2025: In a move strongly supported by Mayor Clara Brugada, Mexico City’s parliament voted overwhelmingly to ban violent bullfighting. Instead, the legislators approved ‘bloodless bullfighting’. With 61 votes in favour and one against, lawmakers in the Mexican capital, home of Plaza Mexico, the world's largest bullfighting venue, endorsed the initiative, which was also backed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, who was mayor of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023. New regulations on bullfighting will be drawn up to ensure that neither animals nor the bullfighters will come to serious harm.

These new regulations were proposed by Mayor Clara Brugada, who emphasised that Mexico City must not permit animals to suffer prolonged pain and death for entertainment. She stated, “This decision will help the city become a place that respects animal rights and does not tolerate animal abuse or violence.” The mayor’s advocacy for a bill promoting non-violent bullfighting aligns with a growing sentiment against the traditional practices associated with the sport.

The issue of violent bullfighting has remained controversial in Mexico, where it has long been viewed as a cultural tradition. Nevertheless, public opinion seems to be shifting. A recent survey revealed that around 75 per cent of residents in Mexico City are opposed to the practice, reflecting a growing concern for animal rights.

Critics of the new law, including members of the bullfighting community, complained that they were not sufficiently consulted in the process leading to the ban. They consider the law not only an attack on their cultural identity but potentially damaging to livelihoods across the country.

The new bullfighting regulation will only allow the use of the cape and the ‘muleta’, will reduce bullfights to 10 minutes, will prohibit swords and banderillas, and will cover the bull's horns to avoid injuries.

According to Agence France Presse (AFP), several of Mexico's 32 states have banned bullfighting, which was brought by the Spanish conquistadors centuries ago. Bullfighters point to the economic value of the industry, which generated 80,000 jobs and around $50 million in revenue in 2023, according to figures from the Mexico City legislature.

Colombia last year approved a ban on bullfights starting in 2027, while the killing of animals has been banned in the Ecuadoran capital Quito.

Countries that still allow bullfighting include Ecuador, Spain, France, Peru, Portugal and Venezuela.

Further reading: Mexico's women mayors |

CANADA / TORONTO

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow told Trump’s America we want friendship but are ready to fight back

March 2025: Appearing on US television, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow made it clear to her American audience that her administration would respond forcefully to any threat to her city’s prosperity. “We would like to remain the best of friends with our southern neighbours, but if Trump’s America chooses confrontation, Torontonians, together with all Canadians, will, as former prime minister Justin Trudeau put it, raise our elbows.”

Olivia Chow, the Mayor of North America’s fourth-largest city, outlined some of the measures Toronto had already taken to counter America’s aggressive tariffs towards her country. Her TV appearance on CNN coincided with the release of Toronto’s US-tariff response plan that includes no longer allowing US companies to bid on municipal contracts, something Chow said could cost American businesses $1 billion over the next decade. “We’re saying we will not allow any American companies to bid on our contracts anymore.”

Much like Ontario’s Premier Douglas Ford did during his appearances on US TV, Mayor Chow argued that the two nations should be working together instead of battling it out in a trade war that will hurt both economies.

On Monday (17 March 2025), the City of Toronto released the full details of its economic action plan in response to Trump’s tariffs.

Short term actions proposed by the City of Toronto

• Prioritizing Canadian suppliers in City procurement to support local businesses

• Deferring property taxes for industrial properties to provide cashflow relief

• Launching a ‘Love Local’ campaign to encourage residents and businesses to choose Canadian-made goods and services

• Providing dedicated support and promotional efforts for Toronto’s manufacturing and industrial sector

• Partnering with regional municipalities and the Province to reduce reliance on US-based suppliers

• Expanding global markets for Toronto businesses through industry and export development partnerships

• Supporting technology adoption for businesses to increase competitiveness.

• Increasing procurement opportunities for Indigenous, Black and diverse suppliers and social enterprises

• Helping businesses prepare for economic and technological disruptions related to tariffs

• Directing City staff spending toward Canadian-owned and local businesses.

Procurement policy amendments

• New City competitive contracts under $353,300 for goods/services and $8.8 million for construction will be awarded exclusively to Canadian suppliers, in line with the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the terms to which the City is bound

• American-based suppliers may be deemed ineligible to bid on new competitive contracts when it is in the City’s best interest

• Increased supplier outreach programs to find local alternatives for key goods, such as construction materials, technology, municipal water equipment and paramedic supplies

• Expansion of procurement opportunities for Indigenous, Black and diverse suppliers to increase participation under the City’s Social Procurement Policy.

Sources: City of Toronto; CNN

Further reading: Canada's women mayors

USA / WASHINGTON DC

Washington DC Mayor orders removal of ‘Black Lives Matter’ tribute to improve relationship with the White House

March 2025: Back in June 2020, during Donald Trump’s first term as US President, Washington DC’s Mayor Muriel Bowser decided to rename part of a road in central Washington ‘Black Lives Matter Plaza’. Her decision followed weeks of protests over the killing of George Floyd, a black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis and that of Breonne Taylor, a black woman, who was shot dead in her home by three police officers in Louisville (Kentucky). At the unveiling of the new name almost five years ago, Mayor Bowser said she wanted to create a space where Black Americans could demonstrate peacefully without feeling threatened.

Now, five years later, Muriel Bowser has instructed city workers to remove the iconic 30-metre-long ‘Black Lives Matter’ street mural, an emblem of the 2020 racial injustice protest movement. The Mayor did so, allegedly to appease Donald Trump who has threatened to cut some US$ one billion from Washington DC’s government funding. According to the US TV network CNN, “the move reflects the immense influence Trump wields in his second term and the fear some local leaders have of antagonising him as they play defence on multiple fronts.”

Since Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, the Washington Mayor has been careful not to antagonise the President. She kept notably silent when Trump pardoned all the rioters who attacked the US Capitol on 6 January 2021.

But the Mayor’s softly-softly approach to the Trump administration has been criticised by members of her own Democratic Party. One council member said that history had shown that giving in to bullies emboldens them to bigger attacks. “Congress has been threatening to take away our funding since the start of Home Rule 50 years ago. We have always fought back. Let’s not give up the fight before it’s even started.” It has also been pointed out to the Mayor that capitulating to the President’s demands could provoke her 700,000 constituents, more than 93 per cent of whom voted against Trump in November 2024.

Bowser acknowledged the criticisms during a recent meeting with constituents. “While I recognise that there is frustration, and people want someone to blame or they want somebody to be mad at, I don’t think that’s where we are in DC,” Bowser said. “I think we’re in the place where we’re locking arms. They want us to be smart and strategic and get to the other side. And that’s my job. I’m going to navigate us to the other side.”

CANADA / ONTARIO

Women at the helm of Ontario’s local government organisations

March 2025: On International Women’s Day 2025 (8 March), Ontario celebrated a historic moment. For the first time in the Canadian province’s history, all major municipal organisations are chaired by women, demonstrating the strength, dedication, and leadership of women in Canadian local government. Representatives from across Ontario recognised the contributions of women in municipal leadership and the impact they continue to make in building strong, vibrant, and sustainable communities.

“This is a remarkable moment for municipal leadership in Ontario,” said Amy Martin, Chair of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) and Mayor of Norfolk County. “Having women in these key leadership positions sends a strong message about the role women play in shaping our communities. It reflects the progress we’ve made while also inspiring future generations of women to step into leadership roles and contribute to the strength and success of our municipalities.”

“This moment is a testament to the incredible talent, expertise, and leadership of women in municipal government,” said AMO President and Mayor of Westport Robin Jones. “We are proud to work together to champion the needs of municipalities and residents across Ontario.”

Women presiding at Ontario’s municipal organisations

Marianne Meed, Mayor of Burlington

Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) is comprised of mayors of Ontario cities with populations of 100,000 or more. Collectively, Ontario’s Big City Mayors represent nearly 70 per cent of Ontario’s population. OBCM provides a voice for big city mayors in policy debates that impact Ontario cities. Through policy development, advocacy, discussion and partnerships, Ontario’s Big City Mayors support strong and effective cities.

Amy Martin, Mayor of Norfolk County

The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) is a not-for-profit organisation representing 15 upper and single-tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario, representing more than 1.6 million residents. The WOWC aims to enhance the prosperity and overall well-being of rural and small urban communities across the region. Caucus members work collectively to influence federal and provincial legislation and programs through advocacy, research, analysis and education.

Robin Jones, Mayor of Westport

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) aims to make municipal governments stronger and more effective through advocacy, training and events, and business services. Through AMO, Ontario’s 444 municipalities work together to achieve shared goals and meet common challenges.

Christa Lowry, Mayor of Mississippi Mills

Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) takes pride in promoting, supporting and enhancing strong and effective rural governments. About 270 of Ontario’s 444 municipalities have populations of less than 10,000, while scores more are rural. The rural arm of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, ROMA advocates for policies and programs that will help build thriving rural Ontario communities.

Wendy Landry, Mayor of Shuniah.

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) was organized in 1946, incorporated on September 18th 2001, and is made up of four components: the Kenora District Municipal Association, the Rainy River District Municipal Association, the Thunder Bay District Municipal League and the City of Thunder Bay. Other than the City of Thunder Bay, membership is attained by being a member of the district organization. The area we represent extends from the City of Kenora in the west to the Town of Hearst in the east.

USA

Republican members of the Oversight Committee issue stark warnings to mayors of US sanctuary cities

March 2025: The mayors of four of the largest American ‘sanctuary cities’ faced a hostile grilling by Republican members of one of the most powerful investigative committees of the US House of Representatives. The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, under the chairmanship of James Garner, practically accused the mayors of “protecting dangerous criminal aliens”.

New York Mayor Eric Adams, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, all Democrats, were questioned by Republican lawmakers critical of their cities’ policies that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Some Republicans even accused the mayors of violating federal law and raised the possibility of criminal charges.

In the United States, several states and many municipalities and counties have declared themselves sanctuary entities and adopted policies intended to protect undocumented immigrants from federal government immigration enforcement. These states and cities often limit the extent to which state and local governments cooperate with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

Before the hearing, Committee Chairman Garner said in a statement that the four mayors were refusing to abide by US law and thus putting the lives of American citizens at risk. “The pro-illegal alien mayors of Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York City have implemented reckless, illegal policies that shield criminal aliens from federal immigration enforcement and endanger public safety,” Garner stated.

In their prepared opening remarks, the mayors spoke about their general approach to immigration enforcement and rejected the argument that they were violating any federal law.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston told the Committee that crime dropped when the city was faced with an influx of immigrants, many bused from border states governed by Republican administrations. “We city welcomed about 42,000 migrants over 18 months – the largest per capita influx of any US city – some unprepared for the cold weather. The city helped settle them, and there are now no migrant encampments or shelters open, and crime numbers still declined.”

Mayor Brandon Johnson explained to the committee that Chicago was safer due to its ‘Welcoming City Ordinance’ that ensures police are focused on law enforcement priorities rather than immigration laws. “Put simply, any actions that amplify fears of deportations make Chicago more dangerous.”

Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston, tried to explain to the Committee members that the Boston Police Department collaborated with state and federal law enforcement when there is a criminal warrant, but state law restricts law enforcement agencies from detaining people solely for alleged civil immigration violations. “This constant collaboration with state and federal law enforcement is a crucial part of making Boston the safest major city in the country,” she said.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams received some praise from Republicans on the committee for his willingness to work with the Trump administration and his willingness to consider changes to the city’s sanctuary policies. However, some Democrats questioned the mayor about the controversy surrounding his federal corruption charges. It is alleged that the US Justice Department ordered federal prosecutors to drop federal corruption charges against Adams so he could better help the government’s immigration crackdown.

After the hearing, the Oversight Committee warned in a press release that federal funding for sanctuary cities could be cut or withdrawn. “Congress should begin evaluating federal funding allocated to sanctuary cities and ensure mayors who defy federal immigration law are held accountable.”

Further reading: American Sanctuary Cities and States

USA / WASHINGTON DC

Washington DC Mayor Bowser rebuts Trump and renews call for statehood

February 2025: Granting Washington DC statehood and thus making it and not Canada the 51st US state was suggested by the city’s Mayor Muriel Bowser in response to US President Trump’s remarks about taking over the US capital.

Speaking last week (19 February) to reporters aboard Air Force One, the President complained about crime and homelessness in the city, saying, "I think we should take over Washington DC and make it safe." He added, "I think that we should govern the District of Columbia." Trump added that he liked Mayor Bowser personally but criticised the city’s governance. "They’re not doing the job," he complained. "Too much crime, too many tents on the lawns - these magnificent lawns."

Two days after President Trump’s off-the-cuff remarks, Mayor Bowser rebutted him in front of journalists at the National Press Club. “Trump has described Washington as filthy and overrun with crime and homelessness. But the fact is that is violent crime came down 35 per cent in 2024, compared with 2023.” The Mayor also suggested that the President should spend more time in the nation’s capital rather than at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. “Trump's impression was formed in the COVID era during his first term. The capital is a very different city now.”

Referring to Trump’s suggestion of taking over Washington DC, the Mayor mused that the President seems to have developed an obsession with taking over entities that don’t belong to the Federal Government. "The question for us," Bowser said, "is how do we maintain the pathway to the 51st state? And why not? We're Americans. We pay taxes. We go to war. We have all of the responsibilities of citizenship, but we don't have all of the rights."

The District of Columbia, larger in population than Vermont and Wyoming, elects one non-voting delegate to Congress. Under a 1973 law, the city gained its first elected mayor and city council but has limited ‘home rule’. The US Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) can override its laws and budget.

MEXICO

Women mayors in Mexico ready to respond to President Trump’s threat of mass deportation of immigrants

January 2025: Three of Mexico’s most influential female politicians are preparing to deal with the scare tactics of the newly installed American President. A day after the inauguration of Donald Trump, the Mexican President and former Mayor of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum, the current Mayor of the capital city, Clara Brugada Molina, and the Mayor of Iztapalapa (a district of Mexico City), Aleida Alavez Ruiz, said that if the US should carry out its plan of mass deportations, the country, the State and City of Mexico are ready to provide humanitarian assistance. Aleida Alavez underlined that help would be offered to Mexican nationals and migrants from other countries. “We are prepared to receive our compatriots, guaranteeing them security and certainty during their transit through the capital.”

Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, reassured the country’s municipalities that the federal government is ready to step in should the Trump administration make good on its threat to deport tens of thousands of immigrants. “Welfare staff will be deployed at the border.” The Mexican government has also encouraged municipal authorities to prepare shelters for vulnerable migrants and set up transit centres for people on the move.

Many of the country’s Churches have also offered to open their facilities to migrants. Mayor Alavez said the participation of Churches is vital in providing shelter and food. “We are united in our desire to help people who frankly have suffered enough.”

In a strongly worded reply to Trump’s threat of mass deportation, Mexico City’s Mayor Clara Brugada reminded the American President that walls do not stop migration but address the structural causes. “The fact that more than 120 million people in the world were on the move in 2024, shows that human mobility is a global phenomenon that requires comprehensive solutions”.

Meanwhile, President Sheinbaum dismissed Trump’s decree to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. “For Mexico and the rest of the world, the Gulf will always be the Gulf of Mexico.” FULL REPORT

Further reading: Mexican Mayors versus Donald Trump | Mexico's women mayors

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