TOPLINE
In an excerpt from a Fox News interview published on Friday, President Trump falsely claimed that Joe Biden supports “underfinancing the police” and signed a “letter” with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) Supporting the rallying cry. progressive, in what appears to be an attempt by the president to pin the controversial idea on his opponent to make him appear more radical.
WASHINGTON, DC – July 11: President Donald J. Trump speaks to journalists when he visits … [+]
KEY FACTS
In the interview clip, Trump tells Fox News’ Chris Wallace that the Democrats “want to eliminate the police and Biden wants to eliminate the police.”
“Sir, you don’t,” responds Wallace, checking the facts with the president.
“Look, he signed a letter with Bernie Sanders -” replies Trump, referring to a 110-page policy recommendation document released by the Biden-Bernie Unit Task Force earlier this month.
Biden has stated multiple times that he does not support the fading of the police and his campaign has released a statement confirming the candidate’s opposition to the vague proposal.
In an interview with “Medicare for All” activist Ady Barkan, Barkan asks Biden if “we agree that we can redirect some of the funding,” to which Biden replies, “Yes. Absolutely.”
The “letter” to which Trump refers does not mention the police disbursement; proposes to “abolish[ing]”Death penalty, prison work and life in prison for minors”.
Tangent
A Trump campaign ad released last week deceptively linked Biden to the bottom of the police movement. “Joe Biden’s supporters are fighting to eliminate the police departments,” the text of the Trump campaign ad reads. “Violent crime has exploded. You will not be safe in Joe Biden’s America.
Key background
“Defund the police” became a rallying cry for some protesters after the death of George Floyd. But the meaning of the phrase is poorly defined, making it an easy target for Republicans. In its most basic definition, it means reducing the budgets of the police department and redistributing those funds to other resources. For some supporters, that may mean reducing police budgets to zero, while for others, that simply means redirecting some funds. Some activists argue that the United States spends too much on police surveillance and not enough on social assistance. Other advocates say localities should reduce the responsibilities we expect from the police and, for example, send mental health workers to deal with drug users instead of the police.
What to look at
Fox News’ full interview with Trump will air on Sunday.
Crucial quote
Trump’s comments trying to pin Biden to the bottom of the police movement came after Wallace asked the president why crime has increased in cities like Chicago and New York. “I explain it very simply by saying that they are cities run by Democrats, that they are run liberally. They are stupidly directed. ”
Further reading
The ‘Defund The Police’ movement is sweeping the country: this is what it really means (Forbes)
Trump’s announcement falsely suggests that Biden supports the impeachment policeWashington Post)
Biden Says He Doesn’t Support the Funding Police (CNN)
Biden-Bernie Sanders Unity Task Forces release recommendations from DNC platform (ABC News)
Ady Barkan endorses Joe Biden for president (New York Times)
Chris Wallace advances the exclusive interview of Trump for ‘Fox News Sunday’: ‘We talk about everything’ (Fox News)
