Black mayors of cities Trump calls 'lawless' tout significant declines in violent crimes
nbcbayarea.com -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 7:27:48 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.
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. And 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 enclaves.
"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.
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.
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.
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 investigation 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."
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 political discourse surrounding urban crime has long been fraught with racial and socioeconomic undertones, particularly when it comes to how cities with significant Black leadership are portrayed. The recent news surrounding President Trump's disparaging comments about predominantly Black-led cities, branding them as "lawless," starkly contrasts with the reality painted by the mayors of these cities. The mayors' reports of significant declines in violent crime in cities like Washington, D.C., Chicago, Baltimore, and Los Angeles provide a powerful counter-narrative to the president's rhetoric. This discrepancy not only highlights the importance of data-driven discussions around crime but also underscores the systemic issues that enable such narratives to take root in the public consciousness.
Historically, narratives around urban crime have been weaponized to reinforce racial stereotypes and justify federal intervention in local governance. The federal response, embodied by Trump's deployment of National Guard troops and law enforcement to cities like Washington, D.C., under the guise of restoring order, reflects a longer history of policing that disproportionately targets communities of color. This approach is reminiscent of the "war on drugs" and other punitive measures that have often exacerbated societal issues rather than addressing their root causes. By framing these cities as "horribly run," Trump not only seeks to delegitimize Black leadership but also distracts from the real progress made in community safety through local initiatives, such as youth engagement programs and collaborative partnerships, which have proven to be effective in reducing crime.
The mayors of these cities, representing the African American Mayors Association, have articulated a critical need to reclaim the narrative surrounding urban crime. Their assertion that crime rates are dropping contradicts the president's claims and serves as a reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of Black leadership in urban settings. For instance, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's announcement of a 30% reduction in homicides and nearly 40% in shootings is a testament to the effectiveness of community-based strategies. These successes are often overlooked in mainstream narratives that emphasize chaos and lawlessness. The mayors’ collective response is not only about defending their cities; it’s about asserting their authority and expertise in governance, challenging the federal narrative that seeks to undermine their accomplishments.
Furthermore, the disparities in how crime is discussed in different contexts reveal a troubling bias. When predominantly white cities experience crime, the discourse often centers around systemic failures or economic downturns rather than resorting to a simplistic narrative of poor leadership. This inconsistency emphasizes the need for a critical examination of how race and class intersect in public policy and media portrayals. The mayors' emphasis on community engagement over militarized responses echoes larger social movements that advocate for rethinking public safety altogether, focusing on restorative justice rather than punitive measures. This perspective aligns with ongoing struggles for social justice, which seek to dismantle the systemic inequities that have long plagued marginalized communities.
In conclusion, the response from the Black mayors is a clarion call for truth in the face of politically motivated misinformation. It reflects a broader movement to challenge narratives that perpetuate division and to elevate the voices of those who have the lived experience and solutions to address urban challenges. By amplifying their success stories and emphasizing community-led initiatives, these leaders are not only advocating for their cities but are also laying the groundwork for a more equitable discourse around public safety and crime. Engaging in these conversations with right-wing perspectives can serve as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and offer a more nuanced understanding of urban dynamics, ultimately promoting a more just society for all.
The recent article highlights a stark and critical contention between the rhetoric of political leaders and the realities experienced by communities across major urban centers in the U.S. President Trump's claims about crime rates in cities led by Black mayors starkly contrast with the statistical evidence presented by these mayors, demonstrating significant declines in violent crime. This moment presents an opportunity to confront not just the misinformation being propagated from the highest levels of government but also the systemic issues that have historically marginalized urban populations and their leaders.
Historically, the criminalization of Black urban spaces has been a tool utilized by politicians to justify punitive measures that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. From the days of "tough on crime" policies to the more recent focus on law and order rhetoric, we see a pattern where Black leadership is undermined and the successes of these communities are overshadowed. The mayors of cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Baltimore are bringing forth a narrative that stands in stark contrast to Trump’s portrayal. They are not only effectively managing their cities but also innovating through community engagement and collaborative initiatives that have proven successful in reducing violence. This points to a larger truth: local governance often has a more nuanced understanding of its citizens' needs than distant federal authority.
In light of these dynamics, what can we, as citizens, do to support these mayors and their initiatives? First and foremost, we must amplify their voices and successes. Engaging in conversations that elevate the narratives of local leaders helps to dismantle the harmful stereotypes that pervade national discourse. Sharing statistics, community stories, and the positive impacts of local policies on social media platforms, in community gatherings, and through other forms of communication can counter the misleading narratives propagated by politicians who tend to overlook the realities of urban life.
Moreover, we can advocate for policies that promote community-led initiatives. The success factors identified by mayors like Van Johnson—youth engagement, gun buyback programs, and community partnerships—should be supported at the local and state levels through funding and resources. Encouraging local governments to invest in social programs rather than punitive measures can create an environment where safety is achieved through collaboration rather than coercion. This also means holding accountable those who seek to undermine these efforts through federal intervention masquerading as necessary law enforcement.
Education and awareness are key in this endeavor. By informing ourselves and others about the historical context of crime in urban spaces and the achievements of Black leadership, we can challenge the existing narratives. Workshops, community forums, and educational campaigns can equip individuals with the knowledge needed to engage in meaningful discussions with those who may be misled by political rhetoric. Understanding the achievements of these mayors—such as the significant drop in homicide rates and the innovative community programs—can serve as a powerful rebuttal to unfounded claims of lawlessness in these cities.
Ultimately, the fight against misinformation and the promotion of effective community governance requires all of us to engage actively. By supporting the leaders who are making a tangible difference, amplifying their voices, advocating for supportive policies, and educating ourselves and others, we can foster a more equitable discourse on crime, governance, and community safety. This is not merely about defending a narrative; it is about recognizing the valuable contributions of diverse leadership and working collectively towards a society that values and uplifts all its members.
The article highlights the significant achievements of Black mayors in reducing violent crime in their cities, despite the negative narratives perpetuated by President Trump. It emphasizes the importance of community engagement and effective local leadership in addressing urban issues. Here are some ideas for personal actions that can contribute to amplifying these positive narratives and supporting the mayors and their initiatives:
### What Can We Personally Do About This?
1. **Educate Yourself and Others**: - Stay informed about the progress and challenges faced by cities led by Black mayors. - Share factual statistics regarding crime rates and community initiatives on social media to counteract misinformation.
2. **Support Local Initiatives**: - Contribute to or volunteer with local organizations that promote community engagement, youth programs, and public safety.
3. **Engage with Local Government**: - Attend city council meetings, town halls, or community forums to express support for local leadership and their initiatives.
### Exact Actions We Can Take
1. **Sign Petitions**: - Find and sign petitions that advocate for community-led safety initiatives. Websites like Change.org or local advocacy groups often have ongoing campaigns. - Example petition: "Support Community-Led Safety Initiatives in [Your City]" on Change.org.
2. **Contact Elected Officials**: - Communicate directly with local representatives to express support for the mayors' initiatives. - Example Contacts: - **Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago** - Email: mayor@cityofchicago.org - Mailing Address: City Hall, 121 N LaSalle St, Room 507, Chicago, IL 60602 - **Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles** - Email: mayormail@lacity.org - Mailing Address: 200 N Spring St, Room 303, Los Angeles, CA 90012 - **Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore** - Email: mayor@baltimorecity.gov - Mailing Address: 100 N Holliday St, Baltimore, MD 21202
3. **Write Letters to the Editor**: - Compose letters to local newspapers addressing the importance of recognizing the accomplishments of Black mayors and countering negative narratives. - Example points to include: - Highlight the statistical declines in crime. - Emphasize the positive community engagement strategies being employed. - Call out the narrative of federal intervention as politically motivated rather than based on factual crime statistics.
4. **Participate in Local Advocacy**: - Join local advocacy groups that focus on racial equity, community safety, and public policy reform. - Attend workshops or training sessions on advocacy skills to enhance your effectiveness.
5. **Use Social Media**: - Create posts highlighting the successes of Black-led cities in reducing crime. - Tag mayors and government officials, thanking them for their leadership and encouraging others to support community initiatives.
6. **Donate to Relevant Organizations**: - Contribute funds to organizations that support community safety initiatives in cities led by Black mayors. For example, groups focusing on youth development, gun buyback programs, or neighborhood safety efforts.
### What to Say
In your communications, you might consider using the following language:
- **In your emails or letters**: "Dear [Mayor's Name], I want to express my appreciation for your leadership in [City Name]. The recent statistics showing a decline in violent crime are a testament to the effective community engagement strategies you have implemented. I urge you to continue prioritizing these initiatives and to resist federal interventions that undermine local governance. Thank you for your commitment to making our city safer."
- **In letters to the editor**: "Recent statements from federal officials about crime in our cities overlook significant progress made by local leaders. In [City Name], we have seen a remarkable decline in violent crime thanks to the efforts of our mayor and community organizations. It's essential we support these efforts rather than allowing misleading narratives to overshadow our successes."
By taking these actions, we can collectively reinforce the narrative of positive progress in our communities and support the leaders who are making a difference.