Crime Numbers Challenge Trump's City Claims

Recent crime statistics are putting a spotlight on President Donald Trump's claims about certain cities. The data shows a drop in homicides across the U. S. , including in cities Trump has labeled as "hellholes. " This includes places like Chicago, Baltimore, and Portland, which have seen significant decreases in violent crime. Trump has sent troops to some of these cities, saying he has a duty to protect the country. But the numbers tell a different story. Chicago, for example, saw a 22. 1% drop in violent crime. Portland, which Trump once called a "hell, " had a 39% decline in homicides. Even Memphis, where the National Guard was deployed, saw a 19% drop in homicides. The data shows that crime rates have been falling since President Joe Biden's final years. This trend started after a surge in crime during the pandemic. Only a few cities, like Atlanta and Columbus, Ohio, saw increases in violent crime. The White House says Trump cares about safety and points to Chicago's high murder rate over the years. But the recent data suggests that the situation is improving, not worsening. This information raises questions about the accuracy of Trump's claims. It also highlights the importance of looking at data when discussing public safety.