Mayor Libby Schaaf defends city after Donald Trump disses Oakland

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf is defending her city after presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump dissed her city in an interview with the New York Times.

Trump was asked by the reporter if he had ever been to Iraq. He had not.

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Then he was asked, "What is the most dangerous place in the world you've been to?"

His response was, "There are places in America that are among the most dangerous in the world. You go to places like Oakland. Or Ferguson. The crime numbers are worse. Seriously."

On Wednesday morning, Schaaf tweeted: "Let me be clear, regarding the New York Times story, the most dangerous place in America is Donald Trump's mouth."

"He's not well liked in Oakland anyway, you know, there's no Trump Towers. He ain't spent none of those millions out here with us," Oakland resident Gregg Fite said.

"I'm a die-hard Raiders fan and the fact I go to all their games all the time and it's more safe than going to a Niner game," Clayton resident Teresa Carlisle said.

Visit Oakland CEO and President Mark Everton said the statement is completely without merit. "Last year, there were $2.1 million visitors that came to Oakland and enjoyed Oakland's vibrant cultural scene, its diversity, its culinary scene and stayed in our hotels without fear," he said.

Last year, the FBI listed Oakland as the third most dangerous city in the U.S.

City Council member Noel Gallo admits Oakland has its problems, but says things are getting better. "The majority of us are law abiding citizens that care for our families and want to make this country great and make Oakland even greater than that," Gallo said.

Gallo said he'd love for Trump to come visit.

State Representative Barbara Lee also took to Twitter saying: "Donald Trump can spew his hate all day long, those of us from Oakland know how great our town really is," she said.

Democrats Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton have both campaigned in Oakland this month.

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