Sheriff David Clarke Puts in his Two Weeks

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke shocked Wisconsin citizens with the announcement of his resignation on August 31, 2017, after holding the position for 15 years. Clarke, who is registered as a democrat but holds predominantly conservative political views, had recently been receiving nationwide publicity for his consistent support of President Donald Trump, and it was the belief of many that he sought a position in the Trump Administration. These beliefs were expelled, to an extent, when it was revealed earlier this summer that Clarke had accepted the position of Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security- and then backed out. This raised many questions, such as why Clarke would turn down a position in the administration of the president whom he so loyally supported, as well as a significant pay raise. But the confusion caused by his rejection of the position offered to him by the man whom he appears to idolize was heightened by his recent resignation. Many people questioned why he would leave his position as County Sheriff if not to take up a position in the White House. Clarke gave a clear answer when he accepted a position as spokesperson and senior advisor for the America First Action SuperPAC.

A SuperPAC is an organization that is allowed to raise money from corporations, individuals, associations, and unions to support a political candidate without directly donating money to their campaign (which is illegal). The America First Action SuperPAC in particular is dedicated to gathering funds to indirectly financially advocate for the agenda of the Trump/Pence Administration.

When speaking on the subject of his new position, Clarke said “It’s truly an honor to join the America First Action team, most importantly because we share the same values that most hard-working, law-abiding Americans do. It gives me the chance to do what I love most—promote President Trump’s agenda, including his fierce support for the American law enforcement officer, and ensure that the will of the American people who got President Trump elected is not derailed by the left or the self-serving Washington establishment.”

Clarke has sparked a considerable amount of controversy in his 15 years as county sheriff. Many of his very bold statements regarding his political opinions have sparked much debate, such as his claims regarding gun control, racial discrimination, and the idea of suspending habeas corpus in the United States. Clarke also gained significant controversy for an incident in January when a man claimed to have been unprecedentedly harassed and interrogated by Sheriff Clarke on a flight from Dallas to Milwaukee. Arguably the issue that brought Clarke the most criticism and controversy, however, was an incident in April of 2016, in which a man died of dehydration in Milwaukee County Jail after the water was turned off in his cell for a whole 7 days.

Many have still been left scratching their heads over the former sheriff’s decision to take a position in a pro-Trump SuperPAC rather than the Trump Administration itself. But regardless of his reasons, it seems clear that Clarke has, at least temporarily, given up law enforcement to pursue a political career.