Americans are overwhelmingly siding with President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers over Democrats when it comes to tackling crime. Recent polling data, as dissected by CNN’s chief data analyst Harry Enten on "News Central," paints a stark picture of public sentiment. It’s a wake-up call for those who thought progressive approaches to law and order would win hearts and minds.
According to Breitbart, Enten’s analysis reveals that crime has emerged as a flagship issue for Trump and the GOP, with Americans trusting their approach far more than that of Democrats and President Joe Biden.
Let’s rewind to 2023, when polls already showed Republicans holding a solid 13-point lead over Democrats on crime. That edge wasn’t a fluke; it reflected a growing frustration with policies many see as too lenient. By May of this year, that lead had nudged up to 16 points, showing the GOP isn’t just maintaining ground—they’re gaining it.
Now, compare that to Biden’s standing on crime in 2024, which Enten pegs at a dismal net approval of minus 26 points. That’s not just underwater; it’s practically in the Mariana Trench. It’s no surprise this ranks as one of Biden’s weakest issues across the board.
Trump, on the other hand, stands tall with a 27-point advantage over Biden on crime approval this year. As Enten put it, “Donald Trump is like Air Jordan towering over Joe Biden when it comes to their handling of crime.” That’s not just a zinger—it’s a statistical slam dunk reflecting public mood.
Enten also noted, “Americans vastly prefer Donald Trump’s approach to crime than they did to Joe Biden’s.” Well, turns out a hawkish stance resonates more than many on the left might care to admit. The data doesn’t lie, even if it stings for some.
Digging deeper, Enten emphasized, “Crime is one of Trump’s best issues.” It’s no mystery why Trump keeps hammering this topic in discussions—it’s a political goldmine for him. The more he talks about law and order, the more he connects with a public hungry for tougher policies.
Public perception of Trump on crime has also shifted positively compared to a year ago. Americans are viewing him through a more favorable lens now, and that’s a trend Democrats can’t afford to ignore. It’s almost as if actions—or at least promises of action—have consequences.
The polling data Enten reviewed captures sentiments shaped by earlier events, including incidents in Los Angeles, though it doesn’t reflect the latest happenings in Washington, D.C. As Enten said, “Americans view Trump far more favorably now on crime than they did a year ago.” That’s a telling shift, even if it’s not the full picture.
Republicans in the House and Senate aren’t blind to these numbers—they’re eager to keep crime front and center. Enten pointed out, “Republicans in the House, Republicans in the Senate, they absolutely want to be talking about crime.” It’s a strategic play; the more the conversation stays on this turf, the better their electoral prospects look.
This isn’t just about Trump’s brand; it’s a party-wide advantage. The GOP’s consistent lead on this issue, growing from 13 to 16 points in a matter of months, shows a public increasingly aligned with their messaging. It’s a rare unity of voter trust and political strategy.
Contrast that with the Democratic struggle to reshape the narrative around crime. Many Americans, as Enten’s data suggests, lean toward a tougher stance than progressive policies often advocate. It’s a disconnect that’s hard to bridge when the numbers are this lopsided.
For Trump, crime isn’t just an issue—it’s a rallying cry that’s resonating. Enten nailed it when he said, “It’s one of the reasons why he wants to talk about crime, because it favors him.” Smart politics? You bet.
The broader takeaway here is that Americans are sending a clear message: they want leaders who prioritize safety and order over experimental reforms. While empathy for underlying social issues remains important, the public seems to crave results over rhetoric. It’s a tough pill for some to swallow, but the polls don’t mince words.
So, as the GOP doubles down on crime as a key talking point, Democrats face an uphill battle to reclaim trust on this front. The data from Enten’s analysis isn’t just numbers—it’s a reflection of a nation yearning for a firm hand on law and order. Will that shape future policy debates? Only time will tell, but for now, Trump and the Republicans hold the winning cards.
