President Trump focuses on violent crime reduction as he boosts GOP candidates at LI police academy
President Trump's visit aimed at boosting Republicans in closely contested races across New York state.
President Donald Trump visited Long Island Friday, speaking about public safety before a crowd of Republican supporters and law enforcement officials at the Nassau County Police Training Facility in Uniondale.
Trump highlighted what he described as a historic decline in violent crime, citing a 2025 FBI report that he said showed the largest single-year drop in violent crime in the country.
The president said there were about 3,100 fewer murders nationwide last year compared with the previous year.
Trump also used the appearance to rally support for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is running for governor.
The president criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul over New York's sanctuary policies and cashless bail laws, making public safety a central theme of his remarks.
In response to Trump's speech, the governor's office sent the following statement:
“Donald Trump said it himself: he and Bruce Blakeman are united against Governor Hochul holding rogue ICE agents accountable, putting money back in New Yorkers’ pockets at every opportunity, and investing billions to bring down crime, while Blakeman let it hit decade highs.”
Trump also praised the Nassau County Police Department and its approach to law enforcement.
Beyond the governor's race, several congressional contests on Long Island could play a role in determining the balance of power in Washington. Incumbents and candidates in those races were also in attendance joined the president on stage.
Dozens of protesters rallied at Nassau Community College on Friday, focusing on several topics, especially affordability and immigration.
News 12's Cecilia Dowd was there.
