President Trump Highlights Crime Reduction Efforts in Major U.S. Cities

President Donald Trump has recently defended federal law enforcement efforts in Minneapolis, asserting that these actions have resulted in a significant decrease in crime. During an interview with NBC News’ Tom Llamas, aired on Sunday, Trump claimed that crime in Minneapolis has dropped by up to 30%, attributing this change to rigorous enforcement methods.

“The crime numbers in Minnesota, particularly in Minneapolis, are down by 25% to 30% because thousands of criminals have been removed from the area,” remarked President Trump. He emphasized that these were “hardened criminals,” many of whom he alleged entered through an open border, and credited the decline to the diligent work of federal forces.

The initiative known as Operation Metro Surge has deployed thousands of immigration agents to the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. This operation has led to the arrest of numerous individuals, while also stirring resistance among residents and resulting in public opposition.

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During the interview, President Trump pointed to similar success in other major cities across the country. He cited Washington, D.C., as an example of improved safety, claiming, “You can walk to the White House. You don’t need an armored vehicle.” The president also mentioned New Orleans and Memphis, Tennessee, as cities where crime rates have seen significant declines.

“I received a call from the governor,” Trump stated, discussing the situation in New Orleans. The crime rate there reportedly dropped by 71% after federal intervention. Similarly, Trump highlighted Memphis, Tennessee, where he said crime had fallen by 80% over five weeks.

According to Trump, these figures demonstrate his administration’s success with their tough-on-crime tactics. He claimed, “Crime, historically in this country, is at the lowest point it’s ever been. We’ve had fewer murders than in decades, and that’s because of our tough stance on crime.”

Earlier this week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that murder rates in major U.S. cities have plummeted to levels not seen since at least 1900. She credited this reduction to aggressive federal arrests, gang dismantling initiatives, and deportation efforts as part of Trump’s promise to “restore law and order.”

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Trump also disclosed to NBC News a strategic decision to withdraw hundreds of federal law enforcement agents from Minneapolis following the fatal shootings of two local residents last month. He noted that the Department of Homeland Security might benefit from adopting “a little bit of a softer touch.”

On Wednesday, White House border czar Tom Homan announced a drawdown involving roughly 700 federal agents departing the Twin Cities, aiming for a “complete withdrawal.” The White House has yet to respond to requests for comments from Fox News Digital.

Sophia Compton is a writer at Fox News Digital, with a background as a business reporter focusing on finance, energy, and tourism. She graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2021. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].