During a press conference at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, Donald Trump made incorrect claims about Kamala Harris’ work as Attorney General of California. He alluded to her actions during her time in office, connecting her to Proposition 47, a California state law passed in 2014 that made non-violent property crimes under $950 count as misdemeanors instead of felonies. Trump suggested that this law was responsible for increasing crime rates in California, blaming Harris and Governor Gavin Newsom for its implementation. However, fact-checking reports indicate that Proposition 47 was enacted during Jerry Brown’s tenure as governor, and there is no evidence of Harris taking a stance on it.
In addition to his comments on Proposition 47, Trump also targeted Harris’ overall record during her time as Attorney General of California. He claimed that she and Newsom “destroyed California” with their policies, alleging that they were responsible for a rise in crime in the state. Trump has recently made similar statements about Harris, questioning her past decisions and character. He stated during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago in August that he does not have a lot of respect for her, indicating that he believes he is entitled to make personal attacks against her. However, it is important to note that Harris also has accomplishments from her time in office, such as launching a criminal justice open data initiative, participating in efforts to combat climate change, and providing protections to homeowners facing foreclosure.
Contrary to Trump’s claims, Proposition 47 was designed to help alleviate overcrowding in California prisons and reallocate state funds to address issues such as truancy, mental health, and substance abuse. Misdemeanors, while less serious than felonies, are still considered crimes and carry penalties such as jail time and fines. Trump’s assertion that individuals can rob stores as long as the stolen goods are under $950 is inaccurate and misleading. In reality, the law was implemented to address non-violent property crimes and provide opportunities for rehabilitation rather than incarceration. As California prepares to vote on Proposition 36, which would modify elements of Proposition 47, the debate over criminal justice reform continues to be a contentious issue in the state.
Trump’s criticism of Harris and Newsom reflects broader political tensions surrounding crime rates and law enforcement policies. As the presidential election approaches, both candidates are facing scrutiny over their records and positions on criminal justice reform. Trump’s attempts to portray Harris as responsible for negative outcomes in California may be seen as an effort to weaken her credibility and appeal to voters. However, it is crucial for voters to assess these claims critically and consider the broader context of criminal justice policies in California. Harris’ tenure as Attorney General involved a range of initiatives and efforts to address various issues, and it is important to evaluate her record in a comprehensive manner.
