Emmer Urges Republicans to Emphasize Crime Policies
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer is calling on Republicans to underscore their backing of President Donald Trump’s efforts to combat crime. He believes that voters will likely shun Democrats for their approach to crime, which he characterizes as lenient and ineffective, endangering community safety.
In a recent interview, Emmer—it’s worth noting he’s the third-highest-ranking Republican in the House—expressed his hope that law and order will emerge as a pivotal issue moving forward. He labeled crime as the foremost concern for voters, claiming that Democrats’ inability to address public safety issues could hinder their prospects in 2026.
Quoting an AP-NORC survey from August, he pointed out that a significant majority of Americans, including 68% of Democrats and a striking 96% of Republicans, view crime as a serious issue in urban areas. Many voters, he added, also approve of Trump’s strategies for addressing crime.
“When one party guarantees safety and the other fosters a climate of crime and confusion, who do you think people will vote for?” Emmer posited, asserting that the results will be evident in the upcoming elections.
His comments come in the wake of the tragic murder of Ukrainian refugee Irina Zaltoska, who sought safety in the U.S. from conflict back home. The 23-year-old lost her life in a violent attack on August 22, allegedly by DeCarlos Brown Jr., a repeat offender.
Emmer and other GOP figures have criticized Democrats for supporting soft crime policies that permit habitual offenders, like Brown, to remain at large despite their extensive criminal records. Brown had been arrested 14 times prior but was out on cashless bail when he committed the murder.
“The Republican Party stands for security, and the horrific case of Iryna Zaltoska illustrates the dangers of these lenient policies embraced by Democrats,” Emmer remarked.
He continued, “By prioritizing criminals over the safety of innocent civilians, they’re making a grave mistake.”
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has also been vocal, condemning Democrats for their role in enabling policies that they argue contribute to violent crime.
“For years, radical Democrats have unfairly painted Republicans as the villains while advocating for policies that let violent offenders roam free,” stated NRCC spokesman Mike Marinella. “After occurrences like the tragic murder in Charlotte, they’re rushing to change the narrative.”
Emmer criticized Democrats for their failure to acknowledge Trump’s effective strategies for tackling crime in the nation’s capital. Since the onset of the president’s federal intervention, law enforcement has arrested over 2,100 individuals, including gang members, and recovered several missing children.
Despite these efforts, Democrats claim crime rates in Washington, D.C., are on the decline. There’s an ongoing investigation into whether law enforcement officials manipulated crime statistics to portray a more favorable picture.
Emmer pointed out that Democrats, in their rhetoric, seem to be disconnected from the realities faced by voters, particularly regarding issues like inflation. “It’s the same cycle repeating itself. They’re downplaying concerns and manipulating stats, but the public sees through that.”
He stressed the significance of addressing the worries of citizens, including those living under Democratic governors, suggesting that collaboration with federal authorities is essential for effective governance.
“While I may not agree with the president on everything, at the end of the day, the responsibility is to protect citizens and property,” Emmer concluded.
