This was unexpected.
Former Vice President Mike Pence stunned Washington watchers by throwing his full support behind President Donald Trump’s tough crackdown on crime in the nation’s capital.
Appearing on CNN’s State of the Union, Pence was pressed by liberal host Jake Tapper about Trump’s decision to send hundreds of National Guard troops into Washington, D.C., and temporarily federalize the police force.
Tapper tried to drag the conversation back to January 6, 2021, but Pence refused to take the bait.
“January 6 was a tragic day,” Pence said. “But I welcome President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard and federalize the D.C. police. If Washington were a state, it would have the highest homicide rate in America. Our capital must be safe.”
Trump’s Law-and-Order Agenda
Pence emphasized that Trump’s leadership is about more than just Washington. It’s about showing every American city that law and order matters. He noted that crime has spiraled out of control under weak Democrat leadership, and that the president’s decisive action is exactly what the American people expect.
Democrats Lash Out
As usual, Democrats rushed to attack. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries claimed violent crime is at a 30-year low and accused Trump of having “zero credibility.”
But real numbers tell a different story. Homicides and carjackings in D.C. have exploded in recent years. Law enforcement experts say Democrat talking points don’t match the reality on the ground.
Trump Fires Back With Facts
At a Monday press conference, Trump compared D.C.’s murder rate to some of the world’s most violent cities:
“The murder rate in Washington today is higher than Bogota, Colombia, higher than Mexico City—places people call the most dangerous on Earth,” Trump said. “Car thefts have doubled, carjackings have tripled, and murders in 2023 hit the highest level in decades.”
Trump made it clear that he will not allow America’s capital to descend into chaos while Democrats look the other way.
Why It Matters
For many Americans—especially those worried about safety—Pence’s support proves that even former critics inside the GOP recognize the urgency of Trump’s law-and-order mission.
Trump’s decisive leadership stands in sharp contrast to Democrats’ soft-on-crime agenda, and voters are taking notice.
🔴 Bottom Line: President Trump is delivering the tough action needed to restore safety, while Democrats are more concerned with protecting criminals than protecting law-abiding Americans.
