In his final State of the State address, California Governor Gavin Newsom defended the state’s crime statistics, asserting they contradict claims made by former President Donald Trump regarding rampant lawlessness. Newsom emphasized that crime rates, particularly homicides, have reached historic lows, countering Trump’s narrative that crime in California is out of control.
During his speech on March 15, 2024, Newsom highlighted that the last time homicides were this low in Oakland, notable civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was visiting activist Joan Baez at Santa Rita Jail. He noted that the homicide rate in San Francisco hasn’t been this low since the marriage of actress Marilyn Monroe to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. Furthermore, Los Angeles has not seen such low rates of violent deaths since the Beatles performed at Dodgers Stadium.
“We have seen double-digit decreases in crime overall in the state of California,” Newsom stated. “We’ve got more work to do, but to those with that California derangement syndrome, I’ll repeat — it’s time to update your talking points.” His remarks were supported by data from the Los Angeles Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, which show a significant decline in homicides.
Trump’s recent comments suggest a shift in his messaging. He indicated a possible resurgence of crime, stating on social media, “We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again.” This statement followed his decision to end legal battles concerning the deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles, Portland, and Chicago.
The governor attributed the decline in crime to increased funding from the California Legislature. “No one’s walked away from public safety,” he asserted. “We didn’t turn a blind eye to this, we invested in it. We didn’t talk about it, we leaned in.”
Despite these claims, experts caution that the situation is more complex. Those studying the causes of crime point out that it may take years to fully understand the factors contributing to both the surge in violence during the pandemic and the subsequent decline. Many believe that the perception of crime, influenced by visible issues such as homelessness and mental health crises, can often overshadow the reality of falling crime rates.
Trump’s narrative of chaos in California has resonated with some voters during the 2024 presidential campaign. His portrayal of the state often includes threats to increase military presence on the streets. Meanwhile, his administration has cut hundreds of millions in federal funding allocated for school safety programs, youth mentoring, and gang intervention, which experts argue are vital for improving public safety.
Concerns about crime have affected political dynamics in California, as voters express frustrations over street-level disorder and perceptions of lawlessness. Newsom acknowledged that these issues are “at the core” of voter concern. “We’re seeing results, making streets safer for everyone,” he said.
Crime data published by the Major Cities Chiefs Association indicates that homicides have decreased in San Francisco, San José, Sacramento, and Oakland, with declines in other violent crimes such as rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. Additionally, property crime rates have also fallen, according to the governor.
As California continues to navigate these challenges, Newsom highlighted a 9% reduction in unsheltered homelessness statewide, along with a more than 10% drop in Los Angeles. He contrasted these figures with an 18% increase in homelessness nationwide, suggesting that progress is being made. However, experts warn that looming federal funding cuts may impede further improvements.
In his speech, Newsom portrayed Trump as a catalyst for lawlessness, describing his first year in office as a “carnival of chaos.” The governor called for the president to focus on his responsibilities rather than perpetuating division. “It’s time for the president of the United States to do his job, not turn his back on Americans that happen to live in the great state of California,” Newsom concluded.
As California grapples with these complex issues, the ongoing debate over crime, public safety, and political accountability continues to unfold.
