Across the country, Americans are closely watching President Donald Trump’s new push to tackle urban crime—and early polling shows that many are on board.
Last week, Trump deployed National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., aiming to curb a spike in violent crime.
He’s now hinting at sending military forces to other cities, including Chicago and New York, in the coming weeks.
Polls Reveal Majority Back Military Assistance
According to a recent AP-NORC survey, 53 percent of Americans support the president’s actions to combat violent crime.
More than half—55 percent—say it is acceptable for the U.S. military and National Guard to assist local police in major cities.
At the same time, the survey finds that only about a third of respondents think the federal government should take control of city police departments.
Concerns about urban crime remain high, with 80 percent of Americans calling it a serious issue in large cities.
Trump’s Approval Rating Hits New Heights
The polling data also shows a notable boost in Trump’s approval rating.
The Associated Press reports that 45 percent of Americans now view his job performance favorably—his highest rating yet in the AP-NORC poll across both terms.
Meanwhile, a JL Partners survey from July placed Trump’s approval at 49 percent, suggesting a recent uptick in public support, likely influenced by his aggressive crime-fighting measures.
Arrests and Gun Seizures in D.C.
Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted the results of Trump’s D.C. operation on X, reporting 1,178 arrests and 123 illegal firearms seized. D.C.
Mayor Muriel Bowser praised the reduction in crime, noting that carjackings fell by 87 percent amid the National Guard deployment.
Bowser said, “We greatly appreciate the surge of officers that enhance what MPD has been able to do in this city.
When carjackings, shootings, homicides, or robberies go down, neighborhoods feel safer—and are safer. This surge has been important for us.”
Local Leaders Voice Concern
Not everyone in the city shares Bowser’s optimism.
Councilmember Robert White Jr., a Democrat, told X that the president’s intervention is misleading and unhelpful.
“We should not give the impression that this is a good thing. It is not helping the city,” White said.
Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau echoed the criticism, describing D.C. as “under siege” and expressing concern over residents’ fears and frustrations.
She added that the city’s limited autonomy is being eroded, creating a sense of anger and unease.
Plans to Expand Troop Deployments
Following what he describes as a successful crackdown in D.C., Trump suggested sending National Guard troops to other crime-plagued cities, including Chicago.
“You have an incompetent mayor—grossly incompetent.
And we’ll straighten that one out probably next,” Trump said, adding that future deployments “won’t even be tough.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker pushed back, warning that any harm to his residents would prompt him to defend constitutional rule of law.
“If you hurt my people, nothing will stop me—not time or political circumstance—from making sure you face justice,” Pritzker said.
