This article is from: srnnews.com
(SRN NEWS) – President Donald Trump has launched a campaign effort ahead of the November midterm elections, planning appearances in support of 35 Republican House and Senate candidates. His first stop was North Carolina, where Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley is seeking to win a seat viewed as critical to preserving the GOP majority.
Trump centered his Wednesday speech on law and order, pointing to declining crime rates across North Carolina and arguing that Republican policies are making communities safer.
State data cited by the campaign show crime fell across all four major categories during the first half of this year compared with the same period last year. Murders declined 12.4%, robberies fell 18%, and motor vehicle theft dropped 23%.
The campaign also highlighted year-over-year improvements in 2025. Homicides declined 18%, motor vehicle theft fell 21%, robberies dropped 20%, and aggravated assaults decreased 14%.
Trump pointed to similar trends in the state’s largest cities. In Charlotte, overall crime fell 9% in 2025, while violent crime declined 21%. Homicides dropped 13%, robberies fell 24%, and aggravated assaults decreased 20%.
During the first half of 2026, Charlotte saw another 16% decline in overall crime. Violent crime fell 8%, while property crime dropped 17%.
Raleigh also reported declines in violent and property crime during the second quarter compared with the same period last year, including a 33% decrease in homicides. In Wilmington, overall crime fell 16% in 2025, with violent crime down 17% and motor vehicle theft down 22%.
The Trump administration is also emphasizing immigration enforcement. Officials say Operation Charlotte’s Web has resulted in more than 1,300 arrests as federal authorities target criminal migrants in North Carolina.
Trump told supporters that the era of what he described as migrant crime, gang activity, drug trafficking, and lawlessness is ending. He said the administration and congressional Republicans are making the country safe again and vowed not to return to what he called the failures of the previous two years.
The president drew a sharp contrast between Whatley and his Democratic opponent, former Governor Roy Cooper. Trump criticized Cooper’s record on crime and accused him of allowing thousands of dangerous offenders to be released during his time as governor.
Trump presented the election as a choice between Cooper and Whatley, calling Whatley “the candidate of law and order.” He said Whatley would work to eliminate sanctuary policies, strengthen public safety, and partner with the administration on enforcement.
The president also promoted the Working Families Tax Cuts, highlighting provisions that eliminate federal taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security income. He said North Carolinians benefited from tax refunds averaging $3,542 for the 2025 tax year.
Whatley told the crowd he wants North Carolina families to earn more, keep more of their money, and live in safe communities. He also pledged to support a strong national defense.
“I want every one of your kids, and every one of your grandkids, to live the American Dream,” Whatley said.
The event ended with Trump’s familiar dance to “YMCA,” as the president rallied supporters behind Whatley and the Republican ticket.
PHOTO- President Donald Trump greets North Carolina Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley during a rally at Gastonia Municipal Airport, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, in Gastonia, N.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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