The MeidasTouch Podcast: Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb on Trump Attacks on Ohio

Release Date: March 9, 2025

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas engage in a deep conversation with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. The discussion centers around the recent political shifts in Ohio, the impact of former President Donald Trump's policies on the state, and Mayor Bibb's strategies to safeguard Cleveland's economic and social well-being.

Ohio's Political Landscape and Emerging Challenges

The episode opens with the hosts highlighting Ohio's transition from a purple to a predominantly red state over the past decade. Despite some blue enclaves, the state's current red orientation has raised concerns about its effectiveness in addressing local issues. Host Ben Meiselas sets the stage by presenting recent headlines that showcase the turmoil Ohio faces:

• Veterans Affairs Job Cuts: A Fox 8 Cleveland headline reports a proposed reduction of 70,000 jobs in Veterans Affairs, stirring deep concerns among local veterans (00:45).

• CHIPS Act Controversy: The introduction of Intel to Ohio through the CHIPS Act is juxtaposed with Trump's opposition to the same, creating uncertainty for the state's burgeoning semiconductor industry (01:15).

• Federal Building Sales and Agricultural Tariffs: Headlines from Akron and Axios reveal impending sales of federal buildings and the imposition of tariffs impacting Ohio farmers, respectively (01:45).

Mayor Justin Bibb on the Fallout of Trump's Policies

Mayor Bibb articulates his disapproval of Trump's approach, emphasizing the chaos it brings to Ohio's economy. At 02:24, he states:

"If this is what making America great again looks like, Clevelanders aren't buying it and I'm not buying it as mayor of Cleveland."

He further elaborates on the negative repercussions of administrative decisions:

• Impact on Federal Employment: Bibb highlights the anxiety among federal employees in Cleveland's Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies due to potential job cuts (04:04).

• Economic Uncertainty: Discussing the fragile state of Ohio's economy, Bibb warns against the unpredictable nature of tariffs and federal policies, which threaten local businesses and employment (09:37).

Strategic Initiatives to Mitigate Economic Turmoil

In response to the administrative instability, Mayor Bibb has spearheaded several initiatives to support affected workers and bolster Cleveland's resilience:

• Rapid Response Hub: Established to provide job training, resume assistance, and pathways to new employment for federal workers facing layoffs (04:04).

• Crime Reduction and Homelessness Solutions: Under Bibb's leadership, Cleveland has seen a 26% reduction in violent crime through strategic policing investments. Additionally, the city is nearing zero homelessness by transitioning residents from encampments to stable housing (06:48).

Bibb underscores the importance of efficient government operations, drawing parallels to past bipartisan efforts under President Clinton and Vice President Gore to eliminate fraud and balance budgets (05:46).

Defending Democratic Leadership and Vision

Mayor Bibb fervently defends the successes of Democratic-led cities like Cleveland, countering narratives that depict them as failing. He attributes Cleveland's progress to:

• Investment in Public Services: Emphasizing robust public safety measures and economic policies that benefit the middle and working classes.

• Collaborative Governance: Highlighting successful partnerships with Republican leaders, such as Governor DeWine, to support beleaguered communities like Springfield amidst unfounded attacks (09:37).

At 12:09, Bibb delivers a powerful closing message:

"There's no Democratic way to create a job, no Republican way to fix a pothole. And America's mayors, especially America's Democratic mayors, are delivering every damn day."

He calls for continued support of mayoral leadership and urges the Democratic Party to present a clear, alternative vision for the country's future.

Critique of Trump’s Administration and Economic Policies

Throughout the interview, Mayor Bibb criticizes Trump's inconsistent economic and immigration policies, which he argues sow confusion and hinder Ohio's growth:

• Economic Instability: He points to the Federal Reserve's report predicting a near 3% GDP decline and the resulting apprehension among Cleveland employers regarding hiring and investments (09:37).

• Immigration Policy: Bibb advocates for sensible immigration reform that collaborates with local governments to manage its impacts effectively (08:34).

Bibb rebukes Trump's rhetoric, which he believes unjustly targets cities like Cleveland, labeling them as failing despite evidence to the contrary (06:48).

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Concluding the episode, Mayor Bibb reiterates the importance of supporting Democratic mayors and their initiatives to foster safe, thriving communities. He urges listeners to back local leadership committed to essential values such as safety, security, freedom, and choice.

The hosts commend Mayor Bibb for his insightful contributions and express hope for future collaborations, emphasizing the role of The MeidasTouch Podcast in amplifying critical discussions surrounding democracy and governance.

Notable Quotes:

• Justin Bibb [02:24]: "If this is what making America great again looks like, Clevelanders aren't buying it and I'm not buying it as mayor of Cleveland."

• Justin Bibb [06:48]: "It's so frustrating now to hear all these uninformed anecdotes that Democratic led cities are failing."

• Justin Bibb [12:09]: "There's no Democratic way to create a job, no Republican way to fix a pothole. And America's mayors, especially America's Democratic mayors, are delivering every damn day."

This episode offers a nuanced perspective on the intersection of local governance and national politics, highlighting Mayor Bibb's proactive measures to navigate and counteract the challenges posed by Trump's administration. Listeners gain valuable insights into the resilience and strategic planning required to maintain and advance urban prosperity in a politically volatile environment.