Philadelphia Mayor Parker is willing to work with Trump
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Mayor Cherelle Parker speaks at an election rally for Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia. Photo: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images
Mayor Cherelle Parker is ready to work with the incoming Trump administration, and she's game for a sit-down with the president-elect.
Why it matters: Democrats face a new political reality starting next week, when Trump takes office loaded with power and a loyal GOP Senate and House. And Philadelphia has a lot on the line as Parker pursues an ambitious vision for the city.
State of play: Parker, who stumped for Vice President Harris, has yet to meet one on one with Trump, and nothing is scheduled as of now, she told Axios last week.
- Parker mentioned earlier at a Thursday press conference that she anticipates she'll meet him and members of his administration, saying she won't let "politics get in the way" of helping Philadelphia.
Between the lines: Philly received upward of a billion dollars in federal funding last year for various projects and programs.
- That's something Parker appears unwilling to compromise on as she puts in place her agenda, which includes a $100 million drug rehabilitation center and public safety overhaul.
What she's saying: "People shouldn't expect me to stop advocating for funding and revenue for the city of Philadelphia because we have a new administration in the White House," Parker tells Axios.
The big picture: Although the anti-Trump fervor seen during his first term appears to have fizzled, other big-city Democratic mayors are shaking hands with MAGA.
- D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month as they discussed their shared priorities, per the Washington Post.
- New York City Mayor Eric Adams has met with at least one of the incoming administration officials, and expressed support for part of Trump's immigration crackdown plan, per the AP.
Closer to home: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro — who called Trump an existential threat last year — says he's ready to work with him, per the Inquirer.
- And U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is voicing bipartisanship as he plans to meet with Trump.
Meanwhile, some blue states — California, Colorado and Washington — are leading the resistance by preparing for legal challenges and forming alliances among themselves.
Flashback: Parker's predecessor, Jim Kenney, a Trump antagonist in the first administration, had also been willing to sit down with the president-elect.
What we're watching: How Parker responds to some of Trump's expected policies including an immigration crackdown, which could happen on Day 1.