Schmitt focuses on safety in Tuesday night speech at Republican National Convention
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MILWAUKEE, Wis. (KMIZ)
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri) gave a speech Tuesday at the Republican National Convention about how the Republican Party will "Make America Safe Again" if former President Donald Trump gets elected this fall.
MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN!
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) July 17, 2024
pic.twitter.com/vHOXpjfRx8
Schmitt's full speech can be found on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"I believe in an America where our best days are ahead of us," Schmitt said in his speech. "I believe in an America where moms and dads can raise their kids in safe communities, and I believe in an America where we defend the police, not defund the police. President Trump will make that dream a reality and that's why we need him back in the White House."
In his speech, Schmitt blamed the Biden Administration for causing the country to become less safe, citing the country's open borders, fentanyl crisis and efforts to defund the police.
"Americans don't need to reimagine safety, we know exactly what safe communities look like," Schmitt said. "But, the weakness and the wokeness of the Biden-Harris Administration has made us less safe."
The number of migrant encounters on the southern border was on the rise even before Biden took office, but hit a record high under his administration. The global pandemic and crises in countries such as Ukraine, Haiti and Venezuela have all contributed to the increase, according to information from Homeland Security.Â
The Associated Press reported earlier this week that arrests for illegally crossing the southern                   border plunged 29% in June. The seven-day average of daily arrest fell  Biden’s announcement on June 4 that asylum processing would be halted when daily arrests reach 2,500, the AP reported.
Schmitt cited his time as Missouri's Attorney General, saying he put criminals behind bars and supported law enforcement amid claims of efforts to defund police. ABC News reported in 2022 that funding for police around the country saw an increase.
"Missouri is home to cities named Liberty and Independence and towns called Freedom and Defiance," Schmitt said. "So, it should come as no surprise that we are sick and tired of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris."
Safety was the theme of the day on Tuesday, with a title of "Make America Safe Once Again."
Now entering its third day, Republicans are expected to focus on President Joe Biden's foreign policy on Wednesday and his handling of issues in other countries, according to the Associated Press.
Speeches are expected from Trump's former acting director of national intelligence and a former Green Beret.
Aside from Schmitt, other speakers on Tuesday included Trump's former opponents Nikki Haley (R-South Carolina), and Gov. Ron Desantis (R-Florida) who showed their support for the former president. Other lawmakers, such as Rep. Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) spotlighted the country's current immigration policy, according to the Associated Press.
Check back for updates.