Former MSNBC host Chris Matthews expressed on Wednesday that Democrats are caught in a situation where they find themselves defending ineffective strategies in response to President Donald Trump’s crime plan for Washington, D.C.
During an appearance on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, host Mika Brzezinski questioned Matthews about the political implications of Trump’s announcement. She suggested that while Democrats could argue there’s a decline in crime, it feels politically unwise to respond that way, even if backed by data.
Trump revealed on Monday that he plans to mobilize approximately 800 National Guard troops and take control of the metropolitan police in order to address crime in D.C.
Matthews criticized Trump for his role in the January 6 riots, but he acknowledged that this new initiative might be an effort by Trump to portray strength. He contrasted the beauty of the city with the visible issues of homelessness and graffiti.
He remarked, “Trump perceives the city almost like a real estate agent. He aims to beautify it as he does with the White House. But I think… well, it’s a show of strength towards cities grappling with crime. You can’t keep claiming that murder rates are dropping when, in fact, they are on the rise. Murder—well, that’s about life and death. It’s not something to boast about.”
Brzezinski concurred, labeling it a “trap.” She added, “Yes, it’s a trap. If it’s not beneficial to say, ‘You’re mistaken, look at the data,’ people won’t want to hear it, especially if there’s a chance of violent crime occurring in busy city areas.”
Matthews also commented on Trump’s adeptness in understanding people’s anxieties, mentioning in a recent interview for Charlie Rose’s podcast that Trump is skilled at sensing worries. He remarked that Trump would excel in any school setting as a bully. “Biden could never measure up to that,” he said, emphasizing the contrast in political fortitude.
