Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, strongly defending President Donald Trump’s use of National Guard troops to combat crime in major U.S. cities, stating, “There is a war on crime.”
In a contentious exchange with moderator Kristen Welker, the Speaker backed the President’s recent remarks to top military leaders where he vowed to “straighten out” unsafe cities run by “radical-left Democrats” and suggested that military personnel would be involved in this “war from within.”
When Welker directly asked, “Do you support the American military being used to fight American citizens?” Speaker Johnson dismissed the question as a “mischaracterization” of the President’s words.
“There’s a war on crime,” Johnson insisted, using the District of Columbia as a key example. “We’re much safer… Before this, it was a literal war zone.”
READ: Johnson Slams ‘Absurd’ Democrat Shutdown: Blames Schumer’s ‘Marxist’ Fear For Crippling Crisis
The Speaker painted a stark picture of the nation’s capital before the National Guard deployment. “Everyone on your staff could walk from their cars to the studio this morning. Why? Because there are National Guard troops patrolling the streets,” he said. “This is one of the most dangerous cities in America… You don’t have to now because President Trump is in charge.”
Welker challenged Johnson’s “war zone” characterization, noting that crime was reportedly decreasing in D.C. before the National Guard was set. Johnson countered by referencing the local mayor’s reported appreciation for the “reinforcement.”
The discussion also touched on President Trump’s recent plan to send 300 National Guard troops to Chicago, a move the Illinois governor has reportedly opposed. “I don’t think you should ask the governor,” Johnson said. “I think you should ask the citizens who are in fear for their lives and livelihoods in these cities.”
Johnson concluded by positioning the D.C. deployment as a model for other “deep blue cities that are run by soft-on-crime mayors,” asserting, “They need some help. The citizens need help. President Trump is a bold leader where’s providing it.” He stressed that the National Guardsmen in D.C. are “proud of the work they’ve done and the people here are benefiting from it greatly. Not Republicans, everybody. Because it’s a safer street.”
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