White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced a significant drop in violent crime across the United States, with the national murder rate reaching its lowest level since 1900. She attributed the decline to the Trump administration's focus on federal law enforcement, border security, and deporting violent criminal immigrants. The statistics were presented during a Thursday press briefing.
In a Thursday press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt showcased new data from the Council on Criminal Justice, revealing a historic reduction in violent crime nationwide. The national murder rate in 2025 fell to its lowest point since 1900, which Leavitt linked to intensified federal efforts under President Donald Trump.
"This dramatic decline is what happens when a president secures the border, fully mobilizes federal law enforcement to arrest violent criminals, and aggressively deports the worst of the worst illegal aliens from our country," Leavitt stated. "The numbers don’t lie."
Federal arrests have surged, with the FBI doubling its violent crime apprehensions in 2025 compared to the prior year. Since Trump's inauguration, over 67,000 arrests occurred, marking a 197% increase from the equivalent period under the Biden administration. The FBI also disrupted 1,800 gangs and criminal enterprises—a 210% rise—and arrested 1,700 child predators along with more than 300 human traffickers. Additionally, six of the FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives were captured in the nation's capital since Trump took office.
Leavitt emphasized successes in specific cities. In Washington, D.C., following the nationalization of its police force last summer and the deployment of federal agents and National Guard troops, homicides dropped 62%, motor vehicle thefts fell 53%, and 2025 saw the fewest violent gun crimes on record. Over 2,000 arrests have been made there, with National Guard presence ongoing.
Similar measures in Memphis, Tennessee, yielded nearly 5,600 arrests. As of last week, aggravated assaults decreased 53%, sexual assaults 53%, and robberies 70%.
The administration ties its crime strategy to immigration enforcement, targeting serious offenders in high-crime areas often led by left-leaning officials. Democrats have criticized these actions as overreach and politicization of law enforcement. Leavitt countered that the approach demonstrates effective, unyielding policing.
"This is what tough, unapologetic law enforcement looks like," she said. "And it’s saving lives."
