Trump’s Victory: A Mandate for Change and a Rejection of Crime and Chaos
Trump’s Victory: A Mandate for Change and a Rejection of Crime and Chaos
Americans have sent a message: they want leadership that puts them first, protects their communities, and respects the rule of law.
On election night, Donald Trump clinched the presidency once again, with Republicans securing control of the U.S. Senate through decisive victories in Montana, Ohio, and West Virginia. This means the GOP will hold at least a 52-48 majority in the Senate, placing one chamber firmly in the hands of Trump’s allies. Though control of the House of Representatives remains uncertain with several races uncalled, Republicans have added three more seats to their slim majority. Trump's victory signifies more than just a partisan win; it’s a clear mandate for a bold new direction on issues that have been top of mind for American voters—especially crime and immigration.
For at least the next two years, Trump will have the leverage to drive his agenda in Washington. This includes his plans to slash taxes, restrict immigration, and prioritize law enforcement reforms that align with the priorities of many Americans. But beyond legislative control, a Republican Senate offers Trump another strategic advantage: the power to appoint conservative judges and key personnel across government agencies, potentially shaping the judicial and administrative landscape for years to come. These appointments will bolster his ability to enact policies in line with his promises, affecting everything from tax reform to crime prevention.
The Crime Wave Backlash
It’s no coincidence that voters overwhelmingly voiced their concerns on public safety and crime. In California, Proposition 36—a ballot measure amending the controversial Proposition 47 criminal justice reforms—passed in a landslide, with 70.5% of voters favoring a change. Proposition 47, initially marketed as a way to reduce prison populations and redirect funding, had devastating unintended consequences. By downgrading several offenses and reducing penalties, it inadvertently fueled what many residents see as an ongoing crime wave. Proposition 36’s success sends a clear signal: Californians, like voters nationwide, are fed up with policies that prioritize offenders over the safety of law-abiding citizens.
Exit polls tell the story in stark numbers and re-affirm the Pew Research. Among Trump voters, 94% considered crime and safety a top priority, while 90% identified immigration as a significant issue. These figures speak volumes about the American mindset and should be taken as a warning to policymakers. Americans are tired of the increasing disorder in their communities, which has only worsened in recent years. Proposition 36’s victory, alongside Trump’s win, marks a shift in public tolerance of “reform” policies that ultimately make neighborhoods less safe.
Immigration: A Key Driver
Trump’s promise to enforce stricter immigration controls resonated with voters as well. Across the country, Americans are weary of lax immigration policies that strain public resources and exacerbate security issues. Under previous administrations, border enforcement suffered as leniency took precedence, leading to increased illegal crossings and a strain on local communities. Trump’s win serves as a mandate to return to the policies he championed in his first term, which emphasized securing the border and enforcing immigration laws as a means of protecting American jobs and public safety.
For Trump supporters, securing the border isn’t just about law and order; it’s about preserving a sense of control and stability that has been missing from the immigration debate for too long. Many see unchecked immigration as a factor contributing to crime, economic strain, and a diluted sense of national identity. Trump’s victory is a clear message from voters demanding that the government put American safety and security first.
A Referendum on Law and Order
This election wasn't just a victory for Trump; it was a referendum on law enforcement and public safety. The data is hard to ignore as crime has surged in many parts of the country, Americans are increasingly skeptical of “reforms” that seem to put criminal justice before public justice. Trump voters, in particular, have had enough. They seek a government that prioritizes their safety and cracks down on both crime and the factors fueling it, including ineffective policies at the local and state levels.
In the past, many states and cities adopted “criminal justice reform” measures like Proposition 47 with the best intentions. However, the reality on the ground has been starkly different. As crime spiked in neighborhoods that once felt safe, Americans began to question whether the reforms were worth the cost. In response, Trump’s campaign and his allies in the GOP leaned into a strong law-and-order message, pledging to undo the damage and return a sense of security to American streets.
The overwhelming support for Proposition 36 in California underscores this shift in public sentiment. Californians, once at the forefront of criminal justice reform, are now leading the charge for common-sense adjustments to policies that aren’t working. Trump’s victory, coupled with wins for initiatives like Proposition 36, signals a powerful movement: a call for reforms that don’t sacrifice the safety and stability of American communities.
Trump’s Legislative Roadmap
With control of the Senate, Trump and his allies are well-positioned to push forward their legislative priorities. Immigration and crime will be top of mind, and the GOP-led Senate will likely support bills that align with Trump’s vision. For instance, tougher sentencing laws, policies to curb illegal immigration, and initiatives to support law enforcement agencies are all on the table.
This unified agenda will also enable Trump to work more effectively with local law enforcement across the country. America’s police departments have been stretched thin, with morale often impacted by what they see as anti-police rhetoric and policies. A Trump administration with control of the Senate can change that, working to restore respect for law enforcement while also addressing the root causes of crime.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing my own views on the specific criminal justice priorities that the new administration should consider. This agenda will reflect the values Americans have expressed loud and clear at the ballot box: a commitment to safe streets, secure borders, and a renewed focus on the well-being of law-abiding citizens.
A New Chapter in American Politics
Trump’s victory is more than a political win; it’s a re-affirmation of core values that too many felt were slipping away. Americans have sent a message: they want leadership that puts them first, protects their communities, and respects the rule of law. Trump’s next two years will be critical for enacting policies that address these concerns, and he has a rare opportunity to restore faith in government by delivering on his promises.
As the Trump administration gears up for another term, Republicans in both chambers must keep their priorities aligned with the needs of their constituents. The American people have spoken, and their mandate is clear: they want an end to policies that encourage crime, an immigration system that makes sense, and a government that works for them—not against them. It’s now up to Trump and his allies in Congress to answer that call, ensuring a safer, stronger America for all.
Sheriff (Ret) Currie Myers, PhD, MBA is an applied criminologist and criminal justice ethicist. He is the former sheriff of Johnson County, Kansas with 24 years’ experience at the local, state, and federal level and is the Professional-in-Residence in the Criminology Department at Benedictine College. You can view all is published works, podcasts and media appearances at drcurriemyers.substack.com which includes his new book, “The Advent of Feral Man.” You can also view his work on the importance of faith, family, and formation at stmichaelsgroup.substack.com. His podcasts are also available on Spotify St Michael's Group Podcast and America's Criminologist with Dr. Currie Myers.
Amen. I don't often say this but God's hand was on Trump and his grace wrapped us thru this ordeal. Wheras before the election many worried this grand experiment was about to end, now the power of the people and the Constitution reaffirmed it gloriously.