Staff Reports
In a bold move, the National Guard will stay stationed in Washington D.C. through November 30, a decision welcomed by some and protested by others. Congressman Andy Ogles from Tennessee, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, expressed his approval of this decision. He pointed out that crime rates have dramatically fallen since the Guard’s presence, with carjackings down a staggering 86%. Ogles noted that the profile of recent crime incidents has been alarming, including two Congress members being mugged and an intern tragically murdered. In his view, this surge in security is a necessary response to a city governed by what he called “woke radical mayors.”
The presence of the National Guard has sparked significant protests from left-leaning groups, who oppose the militarized presence in the nation’s capital. However, Ogles believes that many residents feel safer with the increased law enforcement presence. He reiterated a strong stance against certain local leaders, particularly in cities plagued by crime. Ogles mentioned that in cities like Chicago, Memphis, and of course, his hometown of Nashville, there’s a dire need for strong leadership to combat rising crime rates. He chastised local officials for their failure to prioritize public safety, claiming that the situation has reached a boiling point.
One particularly heated topic was the ongoing back-and-forth between President Trump and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. As Governor Pritzker faces criticism for his handling of crime in Chicago, Ogles argued that federal resources should be dispatched to assist the beleaguered city. He contended that inadequate leadership has resulted in an escalating crime crisis, and reiterated that President Trump has provided a blueprint for restoring order. According to Ogles, crime is a persistent issue that affects not only urban areas but is becoming increasingly common in suburbs like Nashville, which he said recently ranked eighth on the violent crime list.
In response to critics who claim he is an absentee voice on the ground in Nashville, Ogles defended his connection to local law enforcement. He noted that many officers in the Metro Police Department have his personal contact information and have reached out for support, expressing their concerns over the lack of effective leadership from Nashville’s mayor. Ogles accused Mayor O’Connell of incompetence and siding with those who disrupt public safety rather than supporting his police department. He passionately stressed that the police should be allowed to effectively do their jobs without political interference.
In addition to public safety concerns, Ogles discussed the current economic climate, confidently stating that recent reforms have been beneficial for Tennessee residents. Notably, he mentioned that the GOP-led actions have resulted in kicking illegal immigrants off of Medicaid, which he framed as a step toward strengthening the economy by encouraging lawful work. He articulated optimism regarding the current job market, emphasizing that unemployment has reached a favorable target level and predicting future interest rate cuts that could further stimulate the economy. Ogles believes that these measures, aligned with Trump’s leadership, are paving the way for a “Golden Age of America.” In his view, a return to conservative economic principles is necessary to ensure that America remains on the path to prosperity.
