Trump to focus on crime and safety in New York visit
President Donald Trump is set to deliver a speech on crime and safety during a visit to New York on Friday, where he plans to release new FBI statistics showing a decrease in violent crime in 2025. The visit aims to boost Republican candidates ahead of the November midterm elections.
Trump to address crime and safety in New York
President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech on crime and safety during a visit to New York on Friday. According to the White House, he will release new FBI crime statistics for 2025 that show a decrease in violent crime. The visit will take place at the Nassau County Police Academy in suburban Long Island.
A White House spokesperson said the data demonstrates that Trump has fulfilled his promise to make America safe again. The spokesperson also contrasted Trump's stance with that of "Defund-the-Police Democrats," asserting that Trump stands with law enforcement.
The event is part of an effort to support Republican candidates in competitive races ahead of the November midterm elections. However, the effectiveness of Trump's presence is uncertain, as he faces low approval ratings and an unpopular ongoing war in Iran.
Trump narrowly won Nassau County in the 2024 election, marking the first time in over two decades that the county backed a Republican presidential candidate. The county is home to two Democratic-held House seats that Republicans are hoping to win this fall. It is also the home turf of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican endorsed by Trump who is challenging Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.
Other developments
Among other news covered in the live blog: Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting a health insurance executive, is expected to appear in federal court on Friday and plead guilty to stalking or similar charges.
The board of the Kennedy Center, where Trump's allies have taken steps to honor him with physical changes, continued to escalate a dispute over the institution's future, potentially defying a federal court order.
The aircraft carrier USS George Washington, based in the Pacific, has begun moving toward the Middle East amid reports of mental health and supply problems aboard the long-deployed USS Abraham Lincoln.
White House deputy national security adviser Andy Baker is reportedly leaving the administration in the coming weeks, according to Axios. The report has not been independently verified.
Tropical Storm Lala formed in the Pacific on Thursday and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island of Hawaii, potentially bringing heavy rain and flooding over the weekend.
Additionally, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that the United States is deeply involved in Ukrainian attacks against Russia, including supplying intelligence. He said Russia has submitted questions to the State Department and awaits a response.
