In a closed-door meeting with House Republicans on Thursday, former President Donald Trump reportedly referred to Milwaukee as "a horrible city." The statement has since sparked a debate, with various individuals, including renowned author Stephen King, weighing in on the matter.

Trump's visit to the U.S. Capitol marked his first appearance since the failed insurrection on January 6, 2021. The meeting served as a precursor to the Republican National Convention, scheduled to take place in Milwaukee from July 15 to July 18, where Trump is expected to be named the party's nominee.

In a post on social media platform X, known formerly as Twitter, Jake Sherman, founder of Punchbowl News, shared Trump's comment, which quickly caught attention. King, a vocal critic of Trump, used X to defend Milwaukee, stating, "Milwaukee is actually quite a nice place. Trump thinks it's horrible because HE'S horrible." The post has garnered over 314,100 views at the time of writing.

Trump's remarks have resulted in divided reactions, with users on X expressing their interpretations of his comment and their affection for the city. Some speculated that Trump's disdain for Milwaukee stems from his preference for more affluent areas like West Palm Beach, the Upper East Side, or Beverly Hills. Others suggested that racial demographics play a role in his negative view of cities such as Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, and Atlanta.

On the other hand, Trump supporters flocked to defend the former president, dismissing King's statement as fictional while asserting that Trump was referring to crime rates and voter fraud in his comment.

This is not the first time King has publicly criticized Trump. The author, known for his acclaimed works such as "Carrie" and "The Shining," has been an outspoken critic of the former president on social media. Previously, King had taken aim at Trump for his decision not to testify during his hush-money trial, calling him "chicks***" for his avoidance.

King's political stance is well-known, as he officially joined the Democratic Party in 1970 and was one of 450 writers to sign an open letter opposing Trump's candidacy in 2016, voicing his support for Hillary Clinton's campaign.

Milwaukee, a key state, has garnered attention both for its hosting of the upcoming Republican National Convention and now Trump's reported comment. As opinions clash, the debate surrounding the former president's assessment of the city is likely to continue.