What are the main reasons driving approval for Trump's crime policies despite low ratings on immigration and the economy?

Approval for Trump's crime policies is driven by the high concern over crime among Americans, with 81% seeing it as a major problem in large cities. His tough-on-crime stance and actions like deploying the National Guard in Washington, D.C., are seen as addressing this urgent issue, which resonates more than his immigration or economic policies.

How do public opinions differ between Republicans and Democrats regarding federal involvement in urban crime enforcement?

Republicans largely support federal assistance to local police and even federal takeovers of city police departments, with about 8 in 10 Republicans favoring assistance. In contrast, Democrats overwhelmingly oppose the federal government sending troops or taking over local law enforcement in cities.

What crime trends have been observed in U.S. cities recently, according to official data?

Despite public concern, official FBI data show that violent and property crime rates dropped to a two-decade low in 2024, although homicides and other crimes surged during the pandemic period. Some cities have seen declines in violent crimes recently, such as Washington, D.C.

What is the general voter perception of crime safety in major U.S. cities?

A majority of voters view large American cities as unsafe, with 56% expressing this view and even higher concern for cities like New York City (63%) and Los Angeles (62%).

How do voters perceive Trump's deployment of the National Guard and his overall actions in Washington, D.C.?

54% of voters support the declaration of a crime emergency in D.C. and the deployment of the National Guard, viewing Trump's actions as justified and necessary. However, a majority also see these actions as a distraction from other unpopular policies and personal problems. Furthermore, 73% expect similar federal responses in other cities.

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4M ago

Trump's Crime Strategy Gains Approval Amidst Declining Support on Other Issues

A recent survey shows 53% of U.S. adults approve of President Trump's crime policies, reflecting a shift in focus from immigration to crime in urban areas.

L 20%

C 20%

R 60%

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

53% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's approach to crime, higher than his ratings on immigration and the economy.

Trump's tough-on-crime stance has led to a slight increase in his overall approval rating to 45%.

Crime is a top concern for 81% of Americans, prompting Trump to prioritize it in his agenda.

Despite low approval ratings on immigration and the economy, Trump's crime policies resonate with many voters.

Trump is working with Republican lawmakers on a new 'Comprehensive Crime Bill' to address urban crime issues.

Written using shared reports from

5 sources

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Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

Center-leaning sources cover Trump's pivot from immigration to crime by presenting a data-driven analysis of his political strategy. They highlight polling shifts and include diverse perspectives from a Republican pollster, a Democratic voter, and the White House. The coverage maintains neutrality by providing factual context, such as declining crime rates, and directly refuting some of Trump's claims.

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What polling shows about Trump's pivot from immigration to crime

ABC News•4M ago

FAQ

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: Approval for Trump's crime policies is driven by the high concern over crime among Americans, with 81% seeing it as a major problem in large cities. His tough-on-crime stance and actions like deploying the National Guard in Washington, D.C., are seen as addressing this urgent issue, which resonates more than his immigration or economic policies.
Sources:
Axios
: Republicans largely support federal assistance to local police and even federal takeovers of city police departments, with about 8 in 10 Republicans favoring assistance. In contrast, Democrats overwhelmingly oppose the federal government sending troops or taking over local law enforcement in cities.
Sources:
Axios
: Despite public concern, official FBI data show that violent and property crime rates dropped to a two-decade low in 2024, although homicides and other crimes surged during the pandemic period. Some cities have seen declines in violent crimes recently, such as Washington, D.C.
Sources:
Axios
: A majority of voters view large American cities as unsafe, with 56% expressing this view and even higher concern for cities like New York City (63%) and Los Angeles (62%).
Sources:
Harvard Harris Poll
: 54% of voters support the declaration of a crime emergency in D.C. and the deployment of the National Guard, viewing Trump's actions as justified and necessary. However, a majority also see these actions as a distraction from other unpopular policies and personal problems. Furthermore, 73% expect similar federal responses in other cities.
Sources:
Harvard Harris Poll

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