For years, a misguided notion has been perpetuated that Democratic states, often referred to as “blue states,” have higher crime rates than their Republican counterparts, known as “red states.” However, a closer examination of the data reveals a starkly different reality. In fact, it is clearly evident that red states have a higher crime rate than blue states. This false narrative has been exploited by Republican politicians, including President Donald Trump, to justify the expansion of authoritarian powers and the deployment of national guard troops to blue states.
According to various sources, including Third Way, the murder rate in Trump-voting states was 33% higher than in Democratic-voting states in both 2021 and 2022. This trend is not an anomaly, as the average murder rate in red states has been 24% higher than in blue states over the period from 2000 to 2022.
The following table highlights the disparity in murder rates between red and blue states:
| State | Murder Rate (2022) | Presidential Vote (2016, 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 12.8 | Trump |
| Louisiana | 12.4 | Trump |
| Alabama | 12.1 | Trump |
| New York | 3.4 | Biden |
| California | 4.2 | Biden |
| Massachusetts | 2.9 | Biden |
As “the data clearly indicates that the murder rate is higher in red states, and it is essential to address the root causes of this issue rather than perpetuating false narratives” . This is a critical point, as it underscores the need for policymakers to focus on evidence-based solutions rather than relying on misinformation to justify their actions.
The fact that 8 out of the 10 states with the highest murder rates in 2022 voted for Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020 is a stark illustration of the reality of crime rates in America. Red states like Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama have consistently ranked among the top states with the highest murder rates for over a decade. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that Trump’s use of national guard troops and his desire to expand military powers to blue states is not only unwarranted but also misdirected. Instead, he should focus on addressing the root causes of crime in the red states that support him, as they are the ones struggling with higher crime rates.
The notion that Democratic states have more crime is a false narrative debunked by data. It is essential to rely on facts, not misinformation, to inform policy decisions regarding crime and safety. By acknowledging actual crime rates, we can create effective solutions that benefit all communities, regardless of political affiliation.
Blue Press Journal 