Historic Crime Drop Cited by Republican Senator as Trump Administration “Saves Lives”
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 11: President Joe Biden delivers remarks during an event commemorating the of the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act on the South Lawn of the White House on Monday, July 11, 2022 in Washington, DC. The White House invited lawmakers, gun violence victims and supporters to the White House to commemorate the passage of a new law that it describes as "the most significant gun violence reduction legislation in the last 30 years. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., stated on Monday that recent historic declines in crime nationwide, including Washington, D.C., demonstrate “America is much safer with President Trump in office.”
In January, the nation’s capital recorded just two homicides—a figure among the lowest monthly totals on record. This follows a downward trend for the city after peaking at 274 killings in 2023, its deadliest year in more than two decades. Washington also saw more than three weeks without a homicide at the start of this year, with a similar period occurring following President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to the capital in August.
“It’s one of those success stories,” Schmitt told “Rob Schmitt Tonight.” “People don’t talk about it much, but you look at the progress we’ve seen on crime rates this year—there’s been a historic decrease. People are just safer now.”
Preliminary data from 550 U.S. law enforcement agencies indicate the nation is projected to see a roughly 20% decline in homicides by the end of 2025. Schmitt noted that while law enforcement and analysts attribute crime reductions to factors such as policing strategies and long-term social trends, his remarks reflect a Republican narrative crediting Trump’s priorities with improving public safety.
The senator also criticized left-leaning reactions to federal involvement in public safety, particularly regarding opposition to National Guard deployments. “Just think about the radicalization on the left,” he said. “It feels like a thousand years ago, but remember—they were protesting the National Guard being in D.C. We see them go from one issue to another with their ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome.’”
“But the fact remains America is much safer under President Trump’s leadership and when he prioritizes such matters,” Schmitt concluded. “Most people appreciate this, and it’s literally saving lives.”
