What happened in Oakland, California, is more than just a robbery—it’s a disgraceful assault on our nation’s history. In the early hours of October 15, 2025, criminals broke into a storage facility operated by the Oakland Museum of California and stole over 1,000 priceless artifacts, including Native American baskets, jewelry, and other historic items. These are not just museum pieces. They are part of our shared American story, handed down through generations and preserved by patriots who understood the importance of history and heritage.

This wasn’t some small-time theft. It was a carefully planned heist that robbed not just a museum, but the American people. These artifacts were donated by citizens who trusted the museum to protect and display them with dignity. Now, thanks to lawlessness and a culture that no longer fears consequences, that trust has been shattered.

Let’s be clear: this is what happens when we allow crime to run wild and when we treat criminals with kid gloves. For years, cities like Oakland have allowed law and order to fall by the wayside. Progressive politicians have pushed soft-on-crime policies, defunded police departments, and treated criminals like victims. The result? The criminals are emboldened, and the American people suffer.

This is not just about poor museum security. This is about a broken system. Where were the patrols? Where were the cameras? Where are the consequences for those who think they can destroy our culture and walk away free?

And this isn’t just happening in Oakland. Just days after this shocking theft, another group of thieves broke into the Louvre Museum in Paris and stole over $100 million in royal jewels. Think about that—within one week, two of the world’s most respected museums were hit. That’s not a coincidence. That’s a warning sign. Criminals across the globe smell weakness, and they’re taking action.

Back here at home, we need to face the hard truth: when we stop defending law and order, our enemies—both foreign and domestic—will take advantage. The FBI has stepped in to help investigate, and that’s good. But we need more than just investigations after the fact. We need a return to strength. A return to accountability. A return to the American values that built this great Republic.

The artifacts stolen in Oakland are more than decorations. They are symbols of a proud people and a reminder of the deep roots of this land. Native American culture is a key part of our national identity, and when thieves steal those items, they’re not just stealing from a museum—they’re stealing from every American.

This is why we must fight to restore law and order in every city and town. This is why we must support our police, strengthen our borders, and crack down on organized crime. This is why we must elect leaders who care more about protecting America than appeasing criminals.

We also need to take a hard look at how our institutions, like museums, are protecting their collections. If these historic items are left in poorly guarded warehouses, then we’ve already failed. We need tighter security, better oversight, and more accountability. Collections like these should be treated as national treasures—not forgotten in a dusty back room.

The FBI’s Art Crime Team is now involved, and we pray they can recover what was lost. But let this be a wake-up call. America must not become a place where history is thrown away, stolen, or destroyed without consequence.

We are a nation built on respect—for our past, our people, and our principles. It’s time we start acting like it again. The thieves who committed this crime must be caught. Justice must be served. And above all, we must once again stand tall as a country that defends its heritage with strength, courage, and pride.