A new poll shows that most Americans are deeply worried about crime and support President Donald Trump’s tough stance on law and order. This comes as Trump has taken strong steps to get crime under control in Washington, D.C., including bringing in federal law enforcement and the National Guard. The results of this move have been clear and fast—homicides dropped to zero for nearly two weeks, and over 1,100 arrests were made.
The AP-NORC poll found that 81% of Americans believe crime is a “major issue” facing the country. That includes nearly all Republicans (96%), but also a large number of Democrats (68%) and Independents (72%). These numbers show that concern about crime goes beyond party lines. Americans from all backgrounds are seeing what’s happening in their communities, and they want action.
President Trump’s response to this concern has been bold. On August 11, he announced that the federal government would take more control over policing in the nation’s capital. That included using federal agencies like the FBI, ATF, and Homeland Security Investigations to assist local police. He also called in the National Guard to help restore order. In the first 12 days after these changes, not a single murder occurred in D.C.—a city that has recently been struggling with rising gun violence. During that same time, police made 1,173 arrests as part of the new crime-fighting effort.
For Trump, the message is simple: criminals must fear the consequences of breaking the law. He said too many criminals in the city no longer take the police seriously because “nothing ever happens to them.” His warning was clear: if local leaders refuse to protect their citizens, the federal government will step in. His goal is to bring safety and order back to American cities—to “Make America Great Again,” as he often says.
The poll also shows that 53% of the public approve of how Trump is handling crime. That includes about half of White and Hispanic Americans. Support is lower among Black Americans, at 27%, but the overall numbers show a country that is ready for stronger action against rising violence and lawlessness.
From a national security standpoint, this matters. Rising crime weakens a country from within. It saps public trust in government, discourages investment, and makes cities less safe for families. If people don’t feel safe walking down the street or riding public transit, it sends a message of weakness—not only to Americans, but to the world. Foreign powers and criminal cartels watch closely when American cities descend into chaos. They see opportunity in our disorder.
That’s why restoring law and order is not just a local issue—it’s a matter of national strength. When lawlessness spreads, it opens the door to drug trafficking, human smuggling, and even terrorism. Gangs and cartels use America’s big cities as hubs for their operations. Allowing crime to go unchecked is not only dangerous for citizens—it threatens the entire nation’s security.
President Trump’s decision to federalize policing in D.C. is a signal that he understands these risks and is willing to use every tool available to protect the American people. It also sets an example for other cities facing similar challenges. If local officials can’t or won’t do what it takes to stop crime, the federal government will act.
In times like these, leadership matters. Americans are right to be concerned about crime. But more importantly, they’re beginning to see that serious action can make a difference. The drop in violence in D.C. shows that strong policing works. It sends a message that the law still matters—and that America will not surrender its streets to criminals.
The world is watching what happens next. But for now, this poll makes one thing clear: Americans want safety, and they believe President Trump is delivering it.