Rep. Andrew Clyde on Crime and Law Enforcement in D.C.
Georgia Republican Rep. Andrew Clyde expressed on Friday that he believes “Trump Derangement Syndrome” is particularly pronounced among Democrats, who he claims will oppose any efforts by President Donald Trump to tackle violent crime in Washington, D.C., even if it goes against voter interests.
In a conversation with the Daily Caller News Foundation, Clyde stated that Trump and Republican leaders are aiming to “restore law and order” in the capital, while accusing Democrats of supporting those who engage in criminal activities. He emphasized that Republicans and Trump focus on aiding “law-abiding citizens,” contrasting them with Democrats, who he suggests align themselves with criminals.
“The two sides are just fundamentally different,” Clyde remarked. He pointed out that while some Democrats are keen on making cities safer for residents, others seem to back criminal behavior. “It’s evident that every week, we see reports of one to three violent incidents in D.C. It’s clear that the Democrats support criminals—Republicans and the president want to protect law-abiding citizens.” He believes this perspective is vital for the public to recognize.
President Trump has been at the forefront of initiatives to combat crime in D.C., including the deployment of the National Guard in August to help address ongoing issues. Many Democrats have criticized Trump’s crime reduction methods, labeling them as “political maneuvers” rather than genuine solutions.
Although Trump’s tough stance on crime has faced opposition, recent surveys indicate that many voters approve of his approach.
Clyde recently introduced the Clean D.C. Act, aiming to repeal what he calls the DC Council’s “Comprehensive Police and Judicial Reform Amendment Act of 2022.” He argues that this law hampers police effectiveness and law enforcement capabilities.
The legislation particularly prohibits neck restraints by officers and requires additional regulations concerning body cameras.
In 2023, Clyde, alongside Republican Rep. Gerbarino, proposed a resolution objecting to the DC Council’s crime legislation, which gained bipartisan traction but was ultimately vetoed by President Biden.
Clyde reflected on the earlier response from the DC City Council, suggesting that previous measures they passed were, in his view, misguided and negatively affected crime rates. He criticized the philosophy behind those laws, stating that they increased criminal activity instead of curbing it.
Furthermore, Clyde accused the DC Council of implementing a “very anti-law enforcement” law, stating that even law enforcement unions opposed it due to concerns for officer safety. Clyde continues to advocate for measures that make D.C. safer, noting bipartisan support for previous legislation aimed at reform.
He highlighted the necessity for Congress to take action, expressing hope that lawmakers will clarify the constitutional authority over D.C. and prevent the Council from making decisions that should affect all Americans. He firmly stated that D.C. was intended to serve the country, not just its residents.
Clyde’s pursuit of the Clean D.C. Act aims to restore safety and respect for law enforcement’s challenging work in the capital, and he seems optimistic about its progress, even referencing the potential influence of current leaders who have previously supported similar initiatives.
