REPUBLICAN PRIMARIES
DONALD TRUMP
Republican Primaries
Former president Donald Trump sat down for an exclusive interview with HAWX news where he discussed this week’s topics:
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Trump voiced his concerns about public safety, emphasizing that it is “a major concern in our country”. He shared his approach to combating the issue; His plan included “supporting law enforcement, ensuring they have the resources they need, and promoting tough sentencing for violent criminals." During his presidency, Trump put this plan into action by signing the First Step Act in 2018, which was aimed at criminal justice reform, and increasing funding for law enforcement.
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On the issue of COVID-19, Trump stated that "COVID-19 is still an issue, but we've made significant progress with vaccines and treatments.” When asked about his plan for the future regarding the issue, he stated he “would continue to support vaccine distribution and ensure our economy fully recovers." Trump also spoke about national infrastructure, recognizing the importance of investment. He proposed a comprehensive plan to rebuild roads, bridges, and transportation systems, creating jobs and boosting economic growth.
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Finally, when it came to gun violence, the former president addressed concerns while defending responsible gun rights. "I support responsible gun rights as well as some restrictions on those rights." During his presidency, Trump took executive actions to strengthen background checks for firearm purchases, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring safety measures are in place.
RON DESANTIS
Republican Primaries
Ron DeSantis, former Florida governor, is one of the 2024 Republican presidential candidates. In an interview with The Hawx News, DeSantis discusses his policies on public safety and health, transportation, and gun violence.
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Crime & Public Safety:
Governor Ron DeSantis has stated that he believes “public safety is a significant issue.” He recognizes the threat posed by rising crime rates and underscores the need to combat it through measures such as “increasing law enforcement funding, supporting our police, and implementing tougher sentencing for repeat offenders.” His ultimate goal is to ensure safer neighborhoods and communities. Likewise, he aims to support businesses and places emphasis on supporting those affected by the pandemic. According to DeSantis, “COVID-19 is still a concern. My strategy aims to restore normalcy while prioritizing public health.” While substantial progress has been made in managing the pandemic, his focus remains on prioritizing vaccination efforts, providing access to treatments, and supporting those affected by the pandemic.
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Transportation:
DeSantis is a proponent of improving national infrastructure, recognizing its critical importance. He is a proponent of comprehensive infrastructure investments, emphasizing that such initiatives enhance our roads, bridges, and public transit and also stimulate economic growth. When asked about why he is such a strong advocate for these developments, he claimed, “I firmly believe that a stronger infrastructure is essential for a thriving economy and reduced maintenance costs.”
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Gun Violence:
DeSantis acknowledges that “gun violence is indeed an issue that needs addressing.” His stance is to balance the preservation of the Second Amendment while implementing “common-sense measures to prevent gun violence.” He supports initiatives focused on mental health, background checks, and responsible firearm acquisition requirements. He emphasizes that he will not lax gun rights but instead aim to enhance public safety through responsible firearm ownership measures.
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VIVEK RAMASWAMY
Republican Primaries
Crime & Public Safety-
Vivek Ramaswamy is big on cracking down on crime. To illustrate this, one of his goals is to rescind funds for cities that refuse to protect Americans from crime. He also strongly supports taking greater action on drug cartels from Mexico, aiming to squash them once and for all. As for public safety, Vivek Ramaswamy plans to shut down the FBI and to defund the DOJ (Department of Justice). Like with the DOE, Ramaswamy feels as if it would be in the American people’s best interests that he dismantles the “corrupt” government agencies and rebuild where necessary. His plans extend to getting rid of 75% of the federal workforce to make way for more competent workers. On the issue of Covid-19, Ramaswamy sees the vaccine as potentially harboring side-effects, and does not approve of mask mandates nor vaccine mandates. He also seeks to hold China accountable for Covid-19.
Transportation-
Ramaswamy has limited statements on public transportation as well as infrastructure, but some statements were drawn. In an interview, Ramaswamy voices his opinion on infrastructure, “...we should focus on actual infrastructure instead of climate change and increasing diversity in the construction industry.” Said infrastructure that Ramaswamy is referring to is more than just tangible infrastructure, as reflected in his belief that some of the nation’s most powerful government organizations including the DOE, the IRS, and the FBI should be rebuilt. In a statement from NBC News, Ramaswamy states that he wants an “equivalent of an Iron Dome,” referring to the Israeli defense system that utilizes missiles to counter foreign threats. These are issues he aims to devote the majority of his efforts towards rather than issues like climate change.
Gun Violence-
Branded as a ‘Second Amendment Absolutist,’ Ramaswamy pushes for the provisions promised by the Second Amendment the way our Founding Fathers envisioned. Ramaswamy believes that everyone has the right to carry a gun, including felons, as long as background checks are instituted to gauge the type of person owning the gun. Ramaswamy’s logic is that criminals and felons would still manage to get their way around gun control laws and obtain firearms, leaving America’s law-abiding citizens defenseless. What he proposes is greater access to firearms so law-abiding citizens can protect themselves against dangerous criminals. These provisions would also have the effect of deterring criminals from roaming America’s streets with firearms.
NIKKI HALEY
Republican Primaries
Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, is one of the 2024 Republican presidential candidates. As we learn more about Haley’s policies, below are her stances on crime and public safety, transportation, as well as gun violence.
Crime & Public Safety
Haley has taken different stances regarding crime and public safety as a presidential candidate as opposed to when she was the South Carolina governor. Haley has been on the record supporting police, but has not said much on her stance regarding federal criminal justice reforms or the First Step Act. On broader public safety, and as she stated on her Instagram post, "crime is at an all-time high, and I plan to fix this by ensuring that all district attorneys prosecute according to the law."
Transportation
Haley had much to say when the White House this year announced billions of dollars were spent via the Infrastructure Investment and Job Acts (IIJA) - which was positioned as a job creating, environmental project. Haley has claimed that such transportation and infrastructure is wasteful. If elected president, Haley aims to have infrastructure programs compete with other spending initiatives for the budget. As she reiterated on Instagram, "my economic Freedom Plan will also place a limit on federal spending… so that we may better allocate funding."
Gun Violence
Haley believes in taking a proactive approach regarding protection from gun violence, with plans at schools including metal detectors, as well as bringing in mental counselors, and other related initiatives. As Haley posted on her Instagram, "solely focusing on gun control is a lazy approach." She has been careful not to point the issue on gun control exclusively, and at certain campaign stops has stated she is against gun control because she does not trust the government with restriction laws. She recently posted, "I want to protect the second-amendment right to bear arms, and I will protect and expand gun rights."
MIKE PENCE
Republican Primaries
Crime & Public Safety
Pence is aware that public safety is a heightened issue within the US especially with the increased waves of crime in major cities. As president, Pence plans to make sure that police are funded and trained to handle every possible situation and not defund the police. Pence says, “ One of the most important things we need to do is get tough on crime and have full investigations into all incidents.” Pence wants to reform the system and remove the revolving door prison system which in his words is where, “criminals get slaps on the wrist and released.” As vice president, he oversaw the passage of the First Steps act to try to rehabilitate prisoners and give those who deserved it a second chance. He states, “While I don't support some of the provisions of the act I believe it was a step in the right direction.” In regards to COVID-19, Pence states, “Covid is no longer a prevalent threat which is why we need to start cutting the last of the covid era policies and returning money back to the people and the states.”
Transportation
As president, Pence plans to fix our roads and rebuild the national highway system. He recognizes that the American people need to be able to travel across the country and the government must work with private firms and investors to help rebuild our fair country. Pence claims, “I support most of the bipartisan infrastructure act except for provisions being giveaways to green energy companies and billions to Amtrak which has been failing since its creation. But the development of utilities and our highways will help all Americans.” Pence says that improving infrastructure will stimulate economic growth and says that one of his most important goals will be to make transportation of goods across the US easier so that the US won't need to ship as much from China.
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Gun Violence
Pence agrees that gun violence is a major issue within the US. His plan to combat this is to expand mental health institutions, institutionalize the mentally ill and execute the death penalty for mass shooters. He says, “We need to make sure only sane people can get guns but we must allow the second amendment to be upheld.” Pence believes that we should not restrict gun control measures. He says, “the second amendment is clear. We need to make sure our officers have the training and equipment necessary to deal with gun related threats.”
CHRIS CHRISTIE
Republican Primaries
Crime & Public Safety
To start this week off, Christie has stated that he wants to be hard on crime as president. He believes that “liberal policies in cities like Chicago, like New York and others, have led to increased crime.” As president he plans to decrease the crime rate by making sure criminals are held accountable for their actions. He has connected this idea to Donald Trump, stating that he is a “one man crime wave.”, criticizing the various charges made against the former president. Christie believes that Trump does not exhibit the values that the Republican party should. To add on, Chris Christie took Covid-19 seriously when it was at its height, as someone who got it himself he stated “No one should be happy to get the virus.” He saw it as a public safety issue.
Transportation
Christie believes in improving transportation and infrastructure. He wants to improve American infrastructure overall, although he wants to decrease government spending, stating that Bidens’ “‘infrastructure’ package is a $2.25 trillion liberal wish list with only about 25% being spent on traditional infrastructure like roads, bridges, tunnels and rails.” He wants this money to be used entirely on these improvements and not allocated to things unrelated to infrastructure.
Gun Violence
Christie largely believes that the massive amount of gun violence in this country is due to the mental health crisis in America. He states that “We must focus on the mental health crisis in this country. It is long overdue.” Additionally, Christie is against the ban of assault weapons, a change from previouses stances he has run on. Christie now believes that it’s a right for Americans to be able to own guns like assault rifles and that restrictions on guns punishes law abiding citizens. He sees it as a choice that people can have, saying “I don't think with 350 million or so guns out there that tighter gun control is going to keep the gun out of the hands of someone who's going to do what happened in Las Vegas.” Overall, Christie does not plan to limit gun access for those who get it legally.
TIM SCOTT
Republican Primaries
Crime & Public Safety/Public Health
Republican Presidential candidate Tim Scott has been in strong support of re-funding police officers in the United States. He has notably supported the Back the Blue Act, which would increase penalties for those who target police officers. On top of this, he has introduced the Combating Violence and Dangerous Crime Act, giving more authority to police officers, as well as the JUSTICE Act, which would reform some police practices. Scott gave no comment on Covid-19.
Transportation
As senator of South Carolina, Scott voted against an infrastructure spending bill saying “I support targeted investment in upgrading our nation’s roads, bridges, ports, broadband, and other real infrastructure needs. But I cannot support more reckless spending on unrelated pet projects that will suffocate our future generations with mountains of debt.” He argues that, while he agrees that American transportation systems need to be revamped, there are more pressing issues in the country, and that “American families cannot afford” paying more taxes in support of bills like these.
Gun Violence
Scott has vocally opposed tightening gun restriction, and argues that restrictions, including purchasing firearms, should be loosened. Scott has also claimed that gun usage in America is so heavily associated with deadly and hate-filled attacks because that is what is primarily displayed on social media.
DOUG BURGUM
Republican Primaries
Crime & Public Safety
Burgum backs the blue, meaning he supports the police rather than advocating to defund them. He believes supporting the police will lower crime rates and improve public safety. Burgum supports state-led criminal justice reform. In 2020, he and the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation released a public resource to improve transparency. This resource aimed to improve the public’s understanding of the state’s corrections systems.
Transportation
Burgum has signed numerous different bills supporting the infrastructure of North Dakota. House Bills 1505 and 1506, and Senate Bill 2345 supply millions of dollars for roads, bridges, natural gas pipelines, and other public infrastructure. Back in 2021, Burgum signed a $680 million infrastructure bonding bill where 3/4ths of the money went to flood-control projects. $70 million went towards highway and bridge infrastructure. Another $50 million helped create an agriculture development center.
Gun Violence
Burgum is an avid gun supporter and has signed state bills to protect gun rights. As a proud gun owner, Burgum labeled North Dakota as a 'Second Amendment Sanctuary' in a proclamation. On his Twitter account, Burgum wrote, “The liberal left is completely bent on criminalizing law-abiding citizens who are gun owners.”
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ASA HUTCHINSON
Republican Primaries
During an interview with Asa Hutchinson, he shared his views on this week’s topics: Crime & Public Safety, Transportation, Gun Violence
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Crime & Public Safety
Asa Hutchinson shared his concerns about crime and public safety saying that it is an issue that must be addressed. He stated, “Americans feel unsafe going to school, supermarkets, parks, or simply walking around their neighborhood. We must ensure that everyone is protected by allocating more resources to mental health initiatives, curbing the flow of drugs into America from other nations, and reforming law enforcement.” He feels that through his intended policies, Americans will equally and fairly be protected.
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Transportation
Hutchinson also supports the modernization of infrastructure and plans to build upon Biden’s infrastructure plan. He states, “This includes repairing roadways and government buildings and investing in energy sources (both renewable and non renewable). I plan on creating advisory committees specifically tasked with addressing infrastructure concerns, and support President Biden’s $1 Trillion infrastructure funding package.” An improved infrastructure helps stimulate the economy and will help all of the American people.
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Gun Violence
Lastly, Hutchinson voiced his opinion on gun violence stating, “Gun violence is an issue that stems from mental health disorders. People with a poor state of mind are more prone to causing gun violence, which is why I am committed to mental health initiatives. We should not restrict America’s millions of responsible gun owners due to the irresponsibility of a select few.” He believes that gun violence is reflective on the lack of mental health resources and support and second amendment rights should not be infringed upon.
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CITY COUNCIL
Nantasha Williams
NYC City Council, District 27
Crime & Public Safety/Public Health :
Most recently, Nantasha launched her Jamaica Neighborhood plan that seeks to develop a more resilient town with the help from the public opinion to provide feedback on issues that will be addressed to the NYC Department of City Planning (DCP). She aims to help residents by supporting them with more housing, jobs, improving public space and investment in local infrastructure. Nantasha also places a lot of emphasis in fighting for criminal justice reform, stopping gun violence, and ending economic inequality and racial injustice.
Transportation:
As a part of Nantasha’s Jamaica neighborhood plan, she aims to put into action the voiced concerns of the residents of Jamaica on infrastructure. She plans to aid in investment on local infrastructure but also in larger projects as well. Nantasha has been involved in the JFK Redevelopment Program which seeks to transform JFK into a leading global airport as its growth has increased exponentially. This in turn, will also expand economic opportunities for the borough of Queens through job creation.
Gun Violence:
As a former activist on the issue, Nantasha is passionate in not only fighting crime, but gun violence specifically. Nantasha is a board member of Life Camp Inc. which is a cure gun violence program that supports efforts to minimize gang crime and gun violence in her community. Overall, Nantasha is seeking a safer community for her district, especially for more vulnerable regions.
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SHEKAR KRISHNAN
NYC City Council, District 25
Shekar Krishnan, running for City Council for district 25, was asked and answered questions regarding crime, public safety. The COVID-19 pandemic, transportation, and gun violence. Running as a democrat, he takes more left leaning stances as shown below in regard to each issue.
Crime & Public Safety/Public Health
Shekar Krishnan recognizes that public safety is an issue with recent crime rates, the unsafe conditions of the subway, and that it is a danger that can harm New York City citizens. He serves on the Committee on Oversight and Investigation, which combats crime by overseeing and prioritizing investigation into matters concerning property, affairs, or government of New York City, as well as the Department of Investigation. He says, “I have been a long-time community activist in Jackson Heights/Elmhurst and a civil rights lawyer fighting housing discrimination and neighborhood displacement.” He believes COVID-19 is still an issue, but not as prevalent. COVID-19 recovery, however, should be considered.
Transportation
As a member running for district 25 City Council, infrastructure repairs on a national level are not in his domain of control. That being said, he believes that improving infrastructure on any scale will stimulate economic growth in the region. Improving parks, roads, and transportation are something he advocates for, stating, “Our primary goal is to advocate for the improvement of the District's parks and recreational facilities by engaging community residents, non-profit organizations, elected officials, and government agencies in order to improve infrastructure.”
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JONATHAN RINALDI
NYC City Council, District 24
Hawx News spoke to district 24 city council candidate Jonathan Rinaldi about his views regarding crime and public safety, transportation, and gun violence.
Crime & Public Safety / Public Health
According to Rinaldi’s website, “Its not a secret that Public safety in New York has fallen. It is a direct result of the bad policies of our elected officials. Crime has been on the rise... Businesses need to be protected from shoplifting and theft.” He believes public safety is an issue when it comes to transportation as well, which he expands on later. In his interview with Hawx News, he said, “I do not believe it is the government's job to protect people’s safety but I plan to make legislation regarding public issues. The safety of the people will rely on the police and their ability to enforce these laws.” Regarding COVID-19, Rinaldi is firmly against vaccine mandates, saying that it “violated people’s freedom to bodily autonomy” and negatively affects fertility.
Transportation
Rinaldi’s site also states, “the Subway system has all but collapsed with homelessness and trash.” He believes that this poses a public safety issue, but has not stated anything about transportation infrastructure.
Gun Violence
When asked about the issue of gun violence, Rinaldi stated, “What matters is that we need to teach people gun safety, we don’t need to take guns away. Guns don’t kill people, people kill people. Can you imagine if someone got into a drunk driving accident and then they want to ban all cars?” Rinaldi does not believe that the government has any right to restrict the 2nd amendment. He believes that all adults (18+) should have access to these rights, saying of all adults, “he shouldn’t have to wait until 21 if he’s responsible enough.”