Bill de Blasio, New York mayor, announces White House run
Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York, has joined the increasingly crowded race for the Democrat presidential nomination in 2020.
Mr de Blasio, the 23rd candidate to declare, presented himself as the person with the most ability to "take on" Donald Trump.
The 6ft 5in mayor, known as "Big Bird," said: "I'm a New Yorker, I've known Trump's a bully for a long time, this is not news to me or anyone else here, and I know how to take him on. Donald Trump must be stopped.
"He's trying to convince working Americans he's on their side. It's been a lie since day one. Every New Yorker knows he's a con artist. I know his tricks, I know his playbook."
Mr de Blasio's run was described as "quixotic" by the New York Post, which ran a front page showing New Yorkers laughing hysterically at the idea.
Last month, a poll showed 76 per cent of New York voters said he should not enter the 2020 race.
Mr Trump quickly responded to the announcement by calling Mr de Blasio the "worst mayor in the US".
The president added on Twitter: "He is a JOKE, but if you like high taxes & crime, he's your man. NYC HATES HIM!"
Mr de Blasio, 58, announced his run on Good Morning America, a flagship national TV show, then headed straight to the early voting state of Iowa to campaign.
He was elected mayor of New York in 2013 and re-elected comfortably in 2017.
As mayor he introduced free preschool, paid sick leave, and a plan to extend health care to all New Yorkers.
He has been a prominent critic of Mr Trump on immigration and climate change.
Joe Biden, the former vice president, currently has a clear poll lead over the rest of the Democrat 2020 candidates. Bernie Sanders, the US senator, is in second place.
