John Harbaugh challenges reporter for framing question around President Trump’s ‘denigration’ of Baltimore

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh was not pleased with how a reporter framed a question about his recent visit with President Donald Trump.

According to co-host of the Ravens Vault podcast, Sarah Ellison, Harbaugh was asked about his visit by a reporter who mentioned some of Trump’s “denigrating” comments about the city of Baltimore in the past. During his first term as president, Trump referred to Baltimore as a “disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess.” Harbaugh took exception with the reporter’s framing.

“Why would you frame the question – I would’ve framed that question like, ‘You got a chance to go visit with the president, man. What was that experience like?’

“It was amazing. It was awesome. And I promise you, I root for our president. I want our president to be successful just like I want my quarterback to be successful and I want my team to be successful.

“It was an amazing experience. It’s not often you get invited to do something like that as a family. We were there, my daughter was there, Jim’s daughters were there. My mom and dad were there. My mom and President Trump – just seeing how he treated her was really meaningful. That’s the fourth president [I’ve met]. Jim has met seven presidents so he’s got the lead on me. …

“I had the chance to meet President Obama twice. Incredible experience. Had a chance to meet President Biden, when he was vice president, in Iraq. I spent a lot of time with him in Iraq, which was amazing.

“Those are moments that I definitely cherish and it means a lot.”

Given President Trump’s prior comments about the city, it feels pretty valid for a reporter to frame their question around those remarks. However, John Harbaugh was well within his right to answer in a way that wouldn’t stir the pot. Though, for residents of the city of Baltimore, they probably would’ve preferred a bit of a stronger rebuke.