The Breakfast Club

INTERVIEW: Mayor Of Gary, Indiana Eddie Melton Talks '2300 Jackson Street Block Party,' Trump, Joe Budden + More

Date: September 1, 2025
Hosts: Charlamagne Tha God, Jess Hilarious (DJ Envy out)
Guest: Eddie Melton, Mayor of Gary, Indiana

Episode Overview

This episode of The Breakfast Club features an in-depth interview with Eddie Melton, the mayor of Gary, Indiana. Mayor Melton discusses Gary’s transformation, recent economic deals (including the Nippon Steel partnership), high-profile community events like the 2300 Jackson Street Block Party (honoring Michael Jackson), issues of urban policy under different presidential administrations, combating negative stereotypes about Gary, and his thoughts about criticism from celebrity platforms such as Joe Budden’s podcast. The discussion balances practical governance, Black urban leadership in America, and efforts to reshape Gary's public image.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Rising Tensions: Are Black Mayors Being Targeted? [03:07]

• Charlamagne asks if the Trump administration is targeting cities led by Black mayors.
• Mayor Melton acknowledges the trend and discusses federal pushback regarding deploying military in cities, stating it's “a waste of resources” and dangerous, emphasizing investment in social services over policing alone.
  • Quote (Eddie Melton, 03:10): “When I look at the facts, you know, that the military has no arresting powers, and it's a waste of resources to put military on the ground, and it's dangerous.”
• Melton points to real progress, such as a “55% reduction of homicides this year” in Gary, crediting leadership and police.

Perception vs. Data: Addressing Community Feelings [04:18]

• Charlamagne asks whether data or public perception matters more, drawing an analogy between weight loss and crime reduction stats.
• Melton stresses that feelings are “a real thing,” but the data shows “a trend and what we’re doing that’s helping.” The balance is key: data tracks improvements, but leaders must listen to residents’ lived experiences.

Changing the Narrative of Gary [05:24]

• Melton details proactive efforts to alter Gary’s reputation beyond its industrial or crime-related legacy.
  • Quote (05:24): “We’re transforming that. We’re changing that narrative. We’re changing the way people are thinking and feeling about the city by investing in the people, but also raising awareness.”
• Melton highlights Gary’s geographic and economic assets: proximity to Chicago, a shared international airport, beachfront on Lake Michigan, and major events (like the Gary Chicago Air Show).

2300 Jackson Street Block Party & Honoring the Jacksons [07:59]

• The anniversary of Michael Jackson’s birthday (August 29) spurs a new, formal city celebration involving the Jackson family, Chris Tucker, Kid Capri, Denise Williams, and others.
• Explains the importance of “changing the narrative,” drawing global tourism, and directly honoring Gary’s world-famous musical legacy at “2300 Jackson Street.”

Reviving Industry: Nippon Steel Partnership [09:19]

• Melton explains skepticism about a Japanese company (Nippon Steel) acquiring part of U.S. Steel, describes negotiating for workers' interests, environmental protections, and job preservation.
• A $14 billion deal, with $3 billion specifically for upgrades at Gary Works, will produce at least 1,000 new local jobs and major infrastructure investment.
  • Quote (Eddie Melton, 12:03): “So we’re working with Nippon right now...They’re getting ready to reline the blast furnace...more jobs, protecting national security...The Japanese are bringing their technology to make the steelmaking process a cleaner process for the community.”
• Infrastructure improvements include paving streets, LED streetlights, and better public safety wages.

Trump, Biden, and Credit for the Investment [12:55]

• Melton credits both Democratic and Republican administrations (Biden and Trump) for allowing the deal to proceed, noting Trump’s public support was instrumental.
  • Quote (13:05): “Any president has to say so...so he definitely has the credit in terms of approving the deal.”

Casino & Convention Center Development [14:42]

• Hard Rock Casino and a $140M convention center partnership are fueling economic revitalization.
• Gary went from the lowest-performing to the “number one” revenue-generating city in Indiana for casinos, encouraging additional private investment in hotels and restaurants.

Diversifying Gary's Economy & Job Growth [16:58]

• Focus on diversifying beyond steel: promoting logistics, warehousing, distribution (partnership with FedEx brings 600 jobs), airport expansion, and leveraging Gary’s “crossroads” location.
• Notable Statistic: For the first time in 50 years, Gary’s population is growing.

Environmental Advocacy & Community Health [24:53]

• Collaborates with local advocacy group (Guard) to ensure cleaner industrial processes and safeguards, especially in negotiations with Nippon.
  • Quote: “When you take away certain standards and you allow corporations to emit certain toxins into the air, somebody's gonna have to pay that bill from a health perspective. So I stand with them in that regards.”

Black Political Power & History of Gary [23:01]

• Reminds listeners that Gary elected one of America’s first Black mayors, Richard Gordon Hatcher, and hosted the 1972 National Black Political Convention.
• Discusses mentorship, the importance of collective Black policy agendas, and learning as a leader.

Confronting Criticism: Joe Budden Podcast Incident [30:01]

• Addresses Joe Budden’s negative remarks about Gary, defending its progress and calling for fair representation of majority-Black cities.
  • Quote (31:24): “That probably was, like, 15, 20 years ago. But don't say that in 2025. Right. So put some respect on the city if not.”
• Explains his attempt to resolve the issue privately and his openness for a public on-air discussion to highlight Gary’s achievements.

Supporting Community, Housing, and Public Safety [33:16]

• Announces new down-payment assistance ($30,000) for first responders and teachers to promote homeownership, further revitalizing Gary neighborhoods.

Blueprint for Black Mayors & Leadership [34:18]

• Charlamagne calls Melton and peers “the blueprint for what this whole country should be doing.”
  • Quote (Charlamagne, 34:18): “The fact that y’all are getting these resources and making these investments into the community...Y’all are the blueprint that everybody should be following.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Being a mayor is a very difficult and challenging but most rewarding job, especially when you grew up in a city that help raise you.” (Eddie Melton, 04:47)
• “We're just getting started. We got a long ways to go.” (Eddie Melton, 04:47)
• “For the first time in 50 years... Gary's population has grown.” (Eddie Melton, 18:35)
• “To come home... it’s a blessing, man. It’s truly blessed. I give God the glory for that.” (Eddie Melton, 06:30)
• “Let’s have a conversation about the city of Gary... you can’t just recklessly say something about a city that you don’t know anything about, especially a predominantly Black city.” (Eddie Melton, 30:51)
• “If you know the fight is coming, brace your face.” (Dame Dash via Eddie Melton, 27:35)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 03:07 – Discussion on Trump administration's approach to Black-led cities
• 05:24 – “Why is it so fulfilling to be mayor of Gary?”; changing Gary’s narrative
• 07:59 – 2300 Jackson Street Block Party, Michael Jackson’s legacy
• 09:19 – Explaining the Nippon Steel partnership
• 12:55 – Credit to Trump and Biden for US Steel deal
• 14:42 – Casino and convention center revitalization
• 16:58 – Protecting Gary’s future: economic diversification, logistics, and jobs
• 23:01 – History: Gary and Black political power, personal journey
• 24:53 – Environmental activism and community health
• 30:01 – Addressing Joe Budden’s criticism; defending Gary’s image
• 33:16 – Down-payment assistance for police, fire, teachers; housing investments
• 34:18 – Black mayors as national “blueprint” for urban progress

Tone and Vibe

Eddie Melton exudes a blend of confidence, pride, and humility throughout the conversation. He balances candid talk about challenges (crime, economic downturns, environmental issues, reputation) with clear optimism and faith in Gary’s ongoing transformation. The rapport between Melton and Charlamagne is genuine, at times playful, and consistently focused on substantive urban policy, Black empowerment, and accountability—both from within and outside the community.

Summary Takeaway

This episode showcases Mayor Eddie Melton’s holistic vision for Gary, Indiana, combining deep community roots, economic pragmatism, and a fierce commitment to rewriting old narratives about Black cities in America. Melton’s openness to scrutiny, entrepreneurial alliances, and his efforts to challenge public slights (such as those by Joe Budden) underscore a leadership style marked by transparency, resilience, and collective pride.