Key Takeaways:
– Violent crime in Washington DC has fallen by 26 percent
– Major US cities named by Trump are seeing record low crime
– National crime rates hit their lowest level since 1969
– Many Americans still believe crime is rising
– Experts warn news coverage often makes crime seem worse
Trump’s Claims Versus Crime Data
When President Trump sent the National Guard to Washington DC, he said the city was overrun by crime. He described “bloodshed” and “squalor” on city streets. Yet police data show the opposite. Violent crime in DC has dropped by 26 percent since this time last year. That followed a 30-year low in 2024.
Moreover, Trump threatened to send federal forces to Los Angeles, Baltimore, Oakland, New York, and Chicago. He called those cities “very bad” on crime. However, he offered no examples. Likely, that is because crime is falling in each of them.
National Crime Trends
The FBI released new data in August showing both violent and property crime fell again in 2024. Crime rates reached their lowest level since at least 1969. Thus, the idea of a rising crime wave does not match the facts.
Washington DC
Violent crime in Washington DC dropped by 26 percent from mid-2024 to mid-2025. That decline came after a three-decade low last year. Despite these figures, Trump insisted the city was in crisis. Local leaders argued the deployment of troops ignored clear evidence.
Los Angeles
In the first half of 2025, homicides in Los Angeles fell by 20 percent. That puts the city on track for its fewest killings in over 60 years. Meanwhile, aggravated assaults, gun assaults, sexual assaults, and carjackings all saw declines. Thus, LA moves toward greater safety rather than chaos.
Baltimore
Baltimore recorded a 28 percent drop in homicides over the past year. Overall violent crime fell by 17 percent and property crime by 13 percent. In April 2025, the city saw just five homicides, the lowest April count since 1970.
Experts credit Mayor Brandon Scott’s strategy of treating violence as a public health issue. His team tackles root causes like poverty, lack of housing, and past trauma. They also invest in job training and education. As a result, the city now faces lower crime.
Chicago
Chicago saw a 30 percent decline in shootings and homicides year over year. Total violent crime in 2025 is 25 percent lower than it was in 2019. That marks the safest point in the last decade.
Oakland
Oakland’s overall crime rate fell by 28 percent from 2024 to 2025. Robbery, burglary, and theft saw the biggest drops. Homicides also fell by 24 percent. These numbers extend a downward trend that began last year.
New York City
From January to May 2025, New York City recorded the fewest murders in its history. Murders fell by 46 percent compared to the prior year. While total crime remains above pre-pandemic levels, violent crime rates are near all-time lows. In 1990, the homicide rate was 30 per 100,000 people. In 2025, it is on track for about 3.2 per 100,000.
Perception Versus Reality
Despite clear data, many Americans believe crime is rising. A 2024 poll found 64 percent of people thought crime was up. That view held even as crime reached historic lows. Moreover, people who see safer streets locally still often think crime is rising nationwide.
Reasons for False Beliefs
Experts point to personal stories that carry more weight than data. Dramatic incidents stick in the mind and get shared online. Social media spreads rare but shocking events far and wide. Political leaders also shape views when they label crime a crisis.
The Role of Media Coverage
Local news devotes more airtime to crime than any topic except weather. Violent crime makes headlines as often as property crime, even though it happens at one-fifth the rate. Fear-based stories drive clicks and views. Yet this focus can distort the public’s sense of safety.
Major outlets have sometimes treated falling crime rates as a matter of opinion. For instance, some reports framed Trump’s claims versus Mayor Bowser’s data as two equal sides. Critics say that approach gives false balance and muddles the truth.
Steps Toward Better Understanding
Experts suggest clear ways to improve how people see crime trends. First, cities can publish easy-to-read crime dashboards online. Second, communities can host public forums on safety issues. Third, schools can teach media literacy so students learn to check facts. Finally, journalists can add historical context and expert insights to crime stories.
A Call for Honest Reporting
If news outlets stop using fear to drive traffic, public debates may become more honest. Accurate reporting of data and long-term trends can rebuild trust. Moreover, clear context can help people separate real threats from political rhetoric.
Conclusion
In fact, crime in the United States is falling to historic lows. This is true in every city President Trump named. Yet polls show many still believe crime is worsening. Meanwhile, media coverage often plays to fears instead of giving clear facts. If we want to face real challenges, we must demand data-driven reporting. Only then can we avoid false emergencies and focus on true public safety solutions.