If Democrats Truly Care About Safety, They’ll Join Trump’s Fight Against Crime

Guest Opinion by By John Wahl, Chairman, Alabama Republican Party

One of the most important issues facing our country right now is the rise in violent crime. The tragic shooting in Montgomery earlier this month is a heartbreaking reminder of this issue’s urgency. Families should never have to live in fear, yet across our nation—from small towns to big cities—crime is on the rise, and innocent people are paying the price.

The promise of America has always been rooted in security—security for our families, our freedoms, and our future. Yet today, that promise is under attack. From rising crime in our communities to chaos at the southern border, too many Americans feel less safe after years of the left’s soft-on-crime policies and efforts to defund the police. That’s why President Donald Trump’s new initiative to Make America Safe Again could not come at a more critical time.

This is not just another campaign slogan. It is a clear plan to restore law and order, protect innocent families, and give law enforcement the tools they need to protect our communities. President Trump understands a simple truth: without safety, everything else—our economy, our education, and our very way of life—remains at risk.

For too long, residents of Democrat-led cities have been told to accept crime and violence as if it were a normal part of life. Their leaders refuse to act, and when they do, it’s with policies that make the problem worse—defunding the police, pushing reckless cashless bail, and driving more families into desperation with failed economic policies. The result is predictable: more crime, more victims, and more broken communities. The contrast could not be clearer—Democrats empower criminals, while President Trump and Republicans stand firmly with law enforcement and the American people.

Here in Alabama, we know the importance of strong leadership when it comes to public safety. Our communities thrive when families feel secure, when businesses can operate without fear of crime, and when law enforcement is respected and supported. President Trump’s plan speaks directly to those needs. It calls for tougher penalties on violent offenders, an end to catch-and-release bail, and decisive action against the cartels flooding our streets with deadly drugs.

The difference in leadership could not be sharper. Under leftist leaders in America’s largest cities, violent crime has increased, and policies too often favor criminals over law-abiding citizens. The American people deserve better. They deserve leaders who will stand up to those who threaten our safety and put the needs of our citizens first.

And this is not just a problem in major metro areas like New York or Chicago—the latest evidence shows it’s affecting Alabama far more than some would like to admit. The shooting in Montgomery is only the latest example of a growing and deeply concerning trend.

Birmingham’s numbers tell the same story.

According to the Birmingham Police Department, overall crime in the city increased by 7.6 percent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Violent crime rose by 2.1 percent, driven by a troubling 9.7 percent increase in aggravated assaults. Property crime jumped 9.1 percent, with theft alone rising nearly 14 percent. These are not just statistics. They represent real victims, real families, and real communities suffering the consequences of failed leadership and weak policies.

Crime is a choice, and those who choose to break the law must face real consequences. Law enforcement must be empowered to lock up criminals and keep our neighborhoods safe. You may not agree with every detail of Donald Trump’s plan, but one thing is undeniable: he is trying to protect the American people. At a time when crime is rising and too many communities feel abandoned, Trump is fighting to restore accountability, protect victims, and make public safety a national priority once again.

I am proud that the Republican Party stands with President Trump in this fight. As Republicans, we believe in the rule of law. We believe every child has the right to grow up in a safe neighborhood, every parent has the right to know their family is protected, and every citizen deserves a government that puts their safety ahead of political correctness and partisan games.

The Make America Safe Again initiative is more than policy—it is a promise to the American people. It is a commitment to restoring the peace and prosperity that make this country the greatest in the world.

President Trump is once again proving he is the leader America needs in this pivotal moment. Together, we can—and we will—make America safe again.

John Wahl is Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party and serves as Republican National Committee Vice Chairman for the Southern Region, representing 14 states. He has led the ALGOP in strengthening its grassroots network, expanding voter outreach, and advancing conservative principles across Alabama.

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