Payam Javan: On August 20, former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, took their “Make America Safe Again” campaign message to police departments in Michigan and Wisconsin. Trump spoke at the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office in Howell, Michigan, emphasizing his commitment to reversing the “defund the police” movement. He vowed to “re-fund” police, enhance legal protections for officers, and strengthen community safety against violent crime and illegal immigration.

In Kenosha, Wisconsin, Vance echoed Trump’s stance, highlighting their past achievements in improving public safety and promising to end “sanctuary cities” and deport violent illegal immigrants. Vance criticized current challenges facing law enforcement, such as increased lawsuits and difficulties in performing their duties due to perceived legal risks.

The Trump campaign argues that crime data under the Biden administration is misleading, citing a decline in reporting rather than a decrease in crime. Trump and Vance plan further campaign stops, including visits to North Carolina, Arizona, and Georgia, as they continue their push leading up to the November 5 presidential election against the Democratic ticket of Harris and Walz.