A new AP-NORC poll released Wednesday has revealed significant public support for President Donald Trump’s aggressive measures against crime, particularly in Washington, D.C. The poll indicates that 81% of Americans, including 96% of Republicans and 68% of Democrats, believe crime is a major issue in the United States. Trump’s federalization of the Metro Police Department in the capital has led to 12 days without a homicide and over 1,170 arrests, with 5,000 more crimes being reported, according to an X post from Attorney General Pam Bondi. The survey was conducted between Aug. 21-25, two weeks after Trump’s announcement of the policy.
Upon announcing the new policy on Aug. 11, Trump stated that criminals in the city are not afraid of the police because ‘nothing ever happens to them.’ He claimed the recent victim was beaten by local thugs and that the city’s current situation had been ignored for too long, prompting his decision to federalize the department. The policy has reportedly resulted in a temporary surge in arrests and a significant drop in violent crimes, with many citizens in the city expressing support for the new strategy, as reflected in the poll results.
Sources close to Trump have indicated that his approach is a response to a recent influx of crime that has sparked a national conversation about public safety. The federalization of the Metro Police Department is seen as a direct intervention to curb the rising crime rate and has led to a marked decline in incidents, according to reports from various law enforcement agencies. Critics, however, argue that while the policy has had immediate effects, it may not address the underlying issues that contribute to the increase in crime.
Supporters, including former Washington Examiner reporter Anna Giaritelli, have shared personal accounts of violent crime, emphasizing the impact it has had on their lives and the importance of Trump’s actions in addressing these issues. Meanwhile, critics argue that while Trump’s intervention has addressed some immediate concerns, broader systemic reforms may be necessary to ensure long-term safety and effectiveness in law enforcement.
Led by Trump, the approach has been met with mixed responses, though it has received strong backing from a significant portion of the American public. Critics, however, point out that local officials and lawmakers have been slow to address the root causes of crime and have focused more on ideological policies than on solving safety concerns.
As the situation continues to develop, the long-term effectiveness of Trump’s approach and its impact on the broader debate over crime and policing in the United States remain key points of discussion. The outcomes of this policy could influence future debates on public safety and the role of federal intervention in cities facing high levels of crime.