Trump attacks the movement to 'Defund the Police'

The call to defund police has become one of the leading arguments of the Black Lives Matter Movement. Democratic states like New York and Washington have already taken steps to reduce police funding. ^[1] Since President Trump believes that the United States' police force is an essential institution, he has made it clear that he intends to hold states accountable for cutting police funding. ^[2] The police exist to uphold law and order, making sure that communities across America are safe. Defunding the police would then only serve to promote violence and anarchy. ^[3] Missouri Senator Josh Hawley also agrees that the police are needed now more than ever, especially during this time of unrest. Law enforcement officers are crucial responders to the violence and the rioting that is taking place across the country. ^[1] To see them out or defund the police would allow for more rioting and disorder to take place. President Trump has made it a point to highlight that a rise in violent crime has occurred in states that have decided to begin defunding police. ^[4] It is for these reasons that the President has adamantly critiqued the movement to defund the police.