Black mayors of cities Trump called 'lawless' point to significant declines in violent crime
koat.com -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 3:55:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Media Coverage & Press Relations, Democratic Party Responses, Presidential Campaigns
As President Donald Trump declared Washington, D.C., a crime-ridden wasteland in need of federal intervention and threatened similar federal interventions in other Black-led cities, several mayors compared notes.Video above: 'This will go further': Can President Trump federalize local police in other U.S. cities?The president's characterization of their cities contradicts what they began noticing last year: that they were seeing a drop in violent crime after a pandemic-era spike. In some cases, the declines were monumental, due in large part to more youth engagement, gun buyback programs and community partnerships.Now, members of the African American Mayors Association are determined to stop Trump from burying accomplishments that they already felt were overlooked. They're using the administration's unprecedented law enforcement takeover in the nation's capital as an opportunity to disprove his narrative about some of the country's greatest urban areas."It gives us an opportunity to say we need to amplify our voices to confront the rhetoric that crime is just running rampant around major U.S. cities. It's just not true," said Van Johnson, mayor of Savannah, Georgia, and president of the African American Mayors Association. "It's not supported by any evidence or statistics whatsoever."After deploying the first of 800 National Guard members to Washington, the Republican president is setting his sights on other cities, including Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles and Oakland, California, calling them crime-ridden and "horribly run." One thing they all have in common: They're led by Black mayors."It was not lost on any member of our organization that the mayors either were Black or perceived to be Democrats," Johnson said. "And that's unfortunate. For mayors, we play with whoever's on the field."The federal government's actions have heightened some of the mayors' desires to champion the strategies used to help make their cities safer.Some places are seeing dramatic drops in crime ratesTrump argued that federal law enforcement had to step in after a prominent employee of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, was attacked in an attempted carjacking. He also pointed to homeless encampments, graffiti and potholes as evidence of Washington "getting worse."However, statistics published by Washington's Metropolitan Police contradict the president and show violent crime has dropped there since a post-pandemic peak in 2023.Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson scoffed at Trump's remarks, hailing the city's "historic progress driving down homicides by more than 30% and shootings by almost 40% in the last year alone."Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles, where homicides fell 14% between 2023 and 2024, called the federal takeover nothing but a performative "power grab."In Baltimore, officials say they have seen historic decreases in homicides and nonfatal shootings this year, and those have been on the decline since 2022, according to the city's public safety data dashboard. Carjackings were down 20% in 2023, and other major crimes fell in 2024. Only burglaries have climbed slightly.The lower crime rates are attributed to tackling violence with a "public health" approach, city officials say. In 2021, under Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore created a Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan that called for more investment in community violence intervention, more services for crime victims and other initiatives.Scott accused Trump of exploiting crime as a "wedge issue and dog whistle" rather than caring about curbing violence."He has actively undermined efforts that are making a difference saving lives in cities across the country in favor of militarized policing of Black communities," Scott said via email.The Democratic mayor pointed out that the Justice Department has slashed over $1 million in funding this year that would have gone toward community anti-violence measures. He vowed to keep on making headway, regardless."We will continue to closely work with our regional federal law enforcement agencies, who have been great partners, and will do everything in our power to continue the progress despite the roadblocks this administration attempts to implement," Scott said.Community organizations help curb violenceJust last week, Oakland officials touted significant decreases in crime in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2024, including a 21% drop in homicides and a 29% decrease in all violent crime, according to the midyear report by the Major Cities Chiefs Association. Officials credited collaborations with community organizations and crisis response services through the city's Department of Violence Prevention, established in 2017."These results show that we're on the right track," Mayor Barbara Lee said at a news conference. "We're going to keep building on this progress with the same comprehensive approach that got us here."After Trump gave his assessment of Oakland last week, she rejected it as "fearmongering."Social justice advocates agree that crime has gone down and say Trump is perpetuating exaggerated perceptions that have long plagued Oakland.Nicole Lee, executive director of Urban Peace Movement, an Oakland-based organization that focuses on empowering communities of color and young people through initiatives such as leadership training and assistance to victims of gun violence, said much credit for the gains on lower crime rates is due to community groups."We really want to acknowledge all of the hard work that our network of community partners and community organizations have been doing over the past couple of years coming out of the pandemic to really create real community safety," Lee said. "The things we are doing are working."She worries that an intervention by military forces would undermine that progress."It creates kind of an environment of fear in our community," Lee said.Patrols and youth curfewsIn Washington, agents from multiple federal agencies, National Guard members and even the United States Park Police have been seen performing law enforcement duties from patrolling the National Mall to questioning people parked illegally.Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said the guard troops will not be armed but declined to elaborate on their assignments to safety patrols and beautification efforts.Savannah's Johnson said he is all for partnering with the federal government, but troops on city streets is not what he envisioned. Instead, cities need federal assistance for things like multistate investigations and fighting problems such as gun trafficking and cybercrimes."I'm a former law enforcement officer. There is a different skill set that is used for municipal law enforcement agencies than the military," Johnson said.There has also been speculation that federal intervention could entail curfews for young people.But that would do more harm, Nicole Lee said, disproportionately affecting young people of color and wrongfully assuming that youths are the main instigators of violence."If you're a young person, basically you can be cited, criminalized, simply for being outside after certain hours," Lee said. "Not only does that not solve anything in regard to violence and crime, it puts young people in the crosshairs of the criminal justice system."A game of wait-and-seeFor now, Johnson said, the mayors are watching their counterpart in Washington, Muriel Bowser, closely to see how she navigates the unprecedented federal intervention. She has been walking a fine line between critiquing and cooperating since Trump's takeover, but things ramped up Friday when officials sued to try to block the takeover.Johnson praised Bowser for carrying on with dignity and grace."Black mayors are resilient. We are intrinsically children of struggle," Johnson said. "We learn to adapt quickly, and I believe that we will and we are."
As President Donald Trump declared Washington, D.C., a crime-ridden wasteland in need of federal intervention and threatened similar federal interventions in other Black-led cities, several mayors compared notes.
Video above: 'This will go further': Can President Trump federalize local police in other U.S. cities?
The president's characterization of their cities contradicts what they began noticing last year: that they were seeing a drop in violent crime after a pandemic-era spike. In some cases, the declines were monumental, due in large part to more youth engagement, gun buyback programs and community partnerships.
Now, members of the African American Mayors Association are determined to stop Trump from burying accomplishments that they already felt were overlooked.
They're using the administration's unprecedented law enforcement takeover in the nation's capital as an opportunity to disprove his narrative about some of the country's greatest urban areas.
"It gives us an opportunity to say we need to amplify our voices to confront the rhetoric that crime is just running rampant around major U.S. cities. It's just not true," said Van Johnson, mayor of Savannah, Georgia, and president of the African American Mayors Association. "It's not supported by any evidence or statistics whatsoever."
After deploying the first of 800 National Guard members to Washington, the Republican president is setting his sights on other cities, including Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles and Oakland, California, calling them crime-ridden and "horribly run." One thing they all have in common: They're led by Black mayors.
"It was not lost on any member of our organization that the mayors either were Black or perceived to be Democrats," Johnson said. "And that's unfortunate. For mayors, we play with whoever's on the field."
The federal government's actions have heightened some of the mayors' desires to champion the strategies used to help make their cities safer.
Some places are seeing dramatic drops in crime rates
Trump argued that federal law enforcement had to step in after a prominent employee of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, was attacked in an attempted carjacking. He also pointed to homeless encampments, graffiti and potholes as evidence of Washington "getting worse."
However, statistics published by Washington's Metropolitan Police contradict the president and show violent crime has dropped there since a post-pandemic peak in 2023.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson scoffed at Trump's remarks, hailing the city's "historic progress driving down homicides by more than 30% and shootings by almost 40% in the last year alone."
Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles, where homicides fell 14% between 2023 and 2024, called the federal takeover nothing but a performative "power grab."
In Baltimore, officials say they have seen historic decreases in homicides and nonfatal shootings this year, and those have been on the decline since 2022, according to the city's public safety data dashboard. Carjackings were down 20% in 2023, and other major crimes fell in 2024. Only burglaries have climbed slightly.
The lower crime rates are attributed to tackling violence with a "public health" approach, city officials say. In 2021, under Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore created a Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan that called for more investment in community violence intervention, more services for crime victims and other initiatives.
Scott accused Trump of exploiting crime as a "wedge issue and dog whistle" rather than caring about curbing violence.
"He has actively undermined efforts that are making a difference saving lives in cities across the country in favor of militarized policing of Black communities," Scott said via email.
The Democratic mayor pointed out that the Justice Department has slashed over $1 million in funding this year that would have gone toward community anti-violence measures. He vowed to keep on making headway, regardless.
"We will continue to closely work with our regional federal law enforcement agencies, who have been great partners, and will do everything in our power to continue the progress despite the roadblocks this administration attempts to implement," Scott said.
Community organizations help curb violence
Just last week, Oakland officials touted significant decreases in crime in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2024, including a 21% drop in homicides and a 29% decrease in all violent crime, according to the midyear report by the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
Officials credited collaborations with community organizations and crisis response services through the city's Department of Violence Prevention, established in 2017.
"These results show that we're on the right track," Mayor Barbara Lee said at a news conference. "We're going to keep building on this progress with the same comprehensive approach that got us here."
After Trump gave his assessment of Oakland last week, she rejected it as "fearmongering."
Social justice advocates agree that crime has gone down and say Trump is perpetuating exaggerated perceptions that have long plagued Oakland.
Nicole Lee, executive director of Urban Peace Movement, an Oakland-based organization that focuses on empowering communities of color and young people through initiatives such as leadership training and assistance to victims of gun violence, said much credit for the gains on lower crime rates is due to community groups.
"We really want to acknowledge all of the hard work that our network of community partners and community organizations have been doing over the past couple of years coming out of the pandemic to really create real community safety," Lee said. "The things we are doing are working."
She worries that an intervention by military forces would undermine that progress.
"It creates kind of an environment of fear in our community," Lee said.
Patrols and youth curfews
In Washington, agents from multiple federal agencies, National Guard members and even the United States Park Police have been seen performing law enforcement duties from patrolling the National Mall to questioning people parked illegally.
Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said the guard troops will not be armed but declined to elaborate on their assignments to safety patrols and beautification efforts.
Savannah's Johnson said he is all for partnering with the federal government, but troops on city streets is not what he envisioned. Instead, cities need federal assistance for things like multistate investigations and fighting problems such as gun trafficking and cybercrimes.
"I'm a former law enforcement officer. There is a different skill set that is used for municipal law enforcement agencies than the military," Johnson said.
There has also been speculation that federal intervention could entail curfews for young people.
But that would do more harm, Nicole Lee said, disproportionately affecting young people of color and wrongfully assuming that youths are the main instigators of violence.
"If you're a young person, basically you can be cited, criminalized, simply for being outside after certain hours," Lee said. "Not only does that not solve anything in regard to violence and crime, it puts young people in the crosshairs of the criminal justice system."
A game of wait-and-see
For now, Johnson said, the mayors are watching their counterpart in Washington, Muriel Bowser, closely to see how she navigates the unprecedented federal intervention. She has been walking a fine line between critiquing and cooperating since Trump's takeover, but things ramped up Friday when officials sued to try to block the takeover.
Johnson praised Bowser for carrying on with dignity and grace.
"Black mayors are resilient. We are intrinsically children of struggle," Johnson said. "We learn to adapt quickly, and I believe that we will and we are."
Sign Our PetitionThe recent news article highlights the profound disconnect between the rhetoric of political leaders and the reality in cities governed by Black mayors. President Trump's characterization of these urban areas as "lawless" and in dire need of federal intervention starkly contrasts with the actual data demonstrating significant declines in violent crime in those cities. This discrepancy is not merely an issue of political spin; it reflects a broader historical context where narratives around crime, particularly in cities with predominantly Black leadership, have often been weaponized to undermine progressive governance and reinforce systemic racism.
Historically, the criminalization of urban spaces, particularly those led by Black officials, has roots in racial bias and socioeconomic disparities. The "law and order" rhetoric that gained traction in the late 20th century has often been targeted at communities of color, perpetuating stereotypes that paint these areas as inherently dangerous. By labeling cities like Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles as "crime-ridden," the former president is drawing from a playbook that has long been used to justify federal overreach and militarized policing in communities that are already marginalized. This not only trivializes the real progress made by local leaders but also threatens to undermine the community-driven strategies that have proven effective in reducing crime.
The mayors' responses, particularly from figures like Van Johnson, highlight a crucial turning point in the narrative surrounding urban safety. The assertion that crime rates are dropping due to community engagement, gun buyback programs, and partnerships between local governments and residents is a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives. These strategies stand in stark contrast to the top-down approach favored by federal interventions, which often exacerbate tensions between law enforcement and the community, rather than fostering cooperation and trust. It is essential to recognize that local leadership, particularly when it is representative of the communities it serves, often has a better understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within those areas.
Moreover, the successes reported by mayors such as Brandon Johnson of Chicago and Karen Bass of Los Angeles provide an opportunity to challenge the narrative pushed by federal authorities. The decrease in homicides and shootings, often reported alongside the efforts of these mayors, underscores the effectiveness of policies focused on social justice and community well-being. This is not merely a matter of statistics; it is a reflection of the lived experiences of residents who have long been demanding investment in their neighborhoods rather than increased police presence. By amplifying these successes, local leaders can not only reclaim their narratives but also push back against the federal government's attempts to undermine their authority.
It is imperative for those invested in social justice and community empowerment to engage with this discourse actively. The rhetoric surrounding crime and urban governance should be scrutinized critically, and the achievements of Black mayors must be celebrated and amplified. By drawing connections between historical injustices and current political strategies, individuals can arm themselves with the facts necessary to counteract misleading narratives. The story of these cities is not one of chaos and failure; it is one of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to creating safer, more equitable communities for all. Engaging in these discussions can help dismantle harmful stereotypes and foster a more nuanced understanding of urban dynamics in America today.
The recent discourse surrounding the portrayal of urban crime, particularly by figures like former President Donald Trump, reveals a troubling intersection of race, politics, and the realities of crime statistics in America's cities. In a moment where data-driven narratives are often overshadowed by sensationalism, it is imperative to recognize how the rhetoric surrounding crime can be weaponized against Black leaders in predominantly Black cities. The mayors of these cities, through their tireless efforts in community engagement and innovative crime reduction strategies, have shown that the narrative of "lawlessness" and "chaos" is not only misleading but fundamentally inaccurate.
Historically, crime in urban areas has been a focal point for political exploitation, particularly by conservative factions aiming to undermine the achievements of progressive leadership. The framing of cities led by Black mayors as "horribly run" or "crime-ridden" serves to delegitimize the successes that these leaders have achieved, often in the face of systemic challenges such as poverty, lack of resources, and historical disinvestment. The mayors of the African American Mayors Association are now stepping forward, armed with evidence that contradicts Trump’s narrative and highlights their success in reducing violent crime. They have made significant strides in engaging youth and developing community partnerships—strategies that should be celebrated rather than dismissed.
In light of these developments, Americans have a crucial opportunity to challenge the prevailing narratives surrounding crime in cities. Engaging in local dialogues, advocating for community-led solutions, and supporting policies that amplify the voices of those on the ground are essential steps we can take. Moreover, it is important to educate ourselves and others about the real data behind crime statistics. For example, as highlighted in the article, Chicago has seen a dramatic reduction in homicides and shootings, a fact that should be highlighted in discussions with those who may be swayed by misleading narratives. Equipping ourselves with verifiable data allows for more informed conversations, challenging unfounded perceptions with concrete evidence.
Furthermore, the actions of the federal government in deploying National Guard troops to cities under the guise of law enforcement intervention underscore a concerning trend toward federal overreach. This not only undermines local governance but also perpetuates a cycle of fear and misunderstanding regarding urban areas. It is essential that we advocate for the autonomy of local leaders and communities to address their own challenges in ways that are informed by their unique contexts. Supporting policies that emphasize community-led policing and resource allocation for mental health services, education, and job training can foster safer environments without resorting to militarized responses.
Lastly, as citizens, we must hold our elected officials accountable. The narratives that emerge from the highest levels of government should be scrutinized and challenged, particularly when they perpetuate stereotypes and ignore the successes of marginalized communities. By actively participating in local governance, whether through voting, attending town halls, or supporting grassroots movements, we can help ensure that the voices of those who are often sidelined in these discussions are heard. This is not merely about defending urban leadership; it is about recognizing the resilience and innovation that resides within these communities and advocating for a political climate that reflects those realities rather than distorts them.
In conclusion, the dialogue around crime in America's cities is not just a matter of statistics; it is deeply intertwined with issues of race, governance, and community resilience. By amplifying the achievements of Black mayors and engaging in informed discussions, we can combat the narratives that seek to undermine their leadership. In doing so, we contribute to a broader movement that recognizes the contributions of all communities to the fabric of American society, fostering a future where data and lived experience inform our understanding of public safety and governance.
The recent article highlights the significant declines in violent crime in several cities led by Black mayors, despite President Trump's claims of lawlessness and the need for federal intervention in these urban areas. The mayors are determined to amplify their successes and challenge the negative narratives surrounding their cities. Here’s a breakdown of actionable steps you can take to support these efforts and advocate for a more accurate portrayal of urban communities:
### What Can We Personally Do About This?
1. **Educate Yourself and Others**: - Familiarize yourself with the crime statistics and the efforts made by these mayors to reduce crime through community engagement and innovative programs. Share this information with your community to combat misinformation.
2. **Support Local Initiatives**: - Engage with local organizations that focus on crime reduction, community engagement, and social justice. This can include volunteering, donating, or participating in events.
3. **Advocate for Policy Changes**: - Use your voice to advocate for policies that support community-led initiatives rather than increased federal oversight. This may involve writing letters to elected officials or participating in town hall meetings.
### Exact Actions You Can Take
1. **Sign and Share Petitions**: - Look for online petitions that support the mayors' initiatives or challenge federal overreach. Websites like Change.org or MoveOn.org often have petitions that align with these causes. - Example: Search for petitions advocating for community policing initiatives or opposing federal intervention in local governance.
2. **Write to Elected Officials**: - Reach out to your local, state, and federal representatives to express your support for the mayors' accomplishments and urge them to recognize the successes of these cities. - **Who to contact**: - **Van Johnson, Mayor of Savannah, GA** - Email: van.johnson@savannahga.gov - Address: 2 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401 - **Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago, IL** - Email: info@chicago.gov - Address: 121 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60602 - **Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, CA** - Email: mayor.bass@lacity.org - Address: 200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 - **Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore, MD** - Email: mayoro@baltimorecity.gov - Address: 100 N Holliday St, Baltimore, MD 21202
3. **Participate in Local Forums and Community Meetings**: - Attend town halls or community meetings to voice your support for local leadership and community initiatives. Bring statistics and success stories to counter negative narratives.
4. **Utilize Social Media**: - Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to share positive news about the mayors' efforts and the declining crime rates in their cities. Tag local officials and use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
5. **Engage in Local Politics**: - Support candidates who prioritize community-led approaches to public safety and social justice. This includes campaigning, volunteering, or simply voting in local elections.
### What to Say
When contacting officials or engaging in discussions, consider using the following points:
- **Highlight the Evidence**: "Recent statistics show that violent crime rates in our cities have significantly decreased due to community-led initiatives. We must acknowledge and support these successes." - **Challenge Misinformation**: "It is crucial to combat the narrative that our cities are lawless. The data and the experiences of our mayors clearly debunk this myth."
- **Advocate for Local Solutions**: "Federal intervention is not the answer; we need to invest in community programs that have proven effective in reducing crime and improving public safety."
By taking these steps, you can contribute to amplifying the successes of Black mayors and their communities, ensuring that their achievements are recognized and celebrated rather than overshadowed by negative rhetoric.