As armed National Guard troops continue to patrol the nation’s capital under a federal takeover of Washington’s police department, a new AP-NORC poll reveals that handling crime has become a relative strength for President Donald Trump.
Despite criticism from some corners, many Americans are responding positively to his tough-on-crime approach, which emphasizes restoring order and protecting citizens in cities that have long struggled with lawlessness.
While Americans are less enthusiastic about the president’s handling of issues such as immigration or the economy, crime is one area where his leadership is resonating. This reflects a broader truth: citizens want security, safety, and accountability.
They are tired of politicians who talk but fail to act. President Trump, on the other hand, has not hesitated to use the resources of the federal government to support local communities when violence threatens their safety.
The vast majority of Americans, 81 percent, believe crime is a “major problem” in large cities. This perception aligns with what millions of families experience daily, even as statistics in certain places show overall declines.
President Trump has seized on this concern, deploying the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and making it clear that if necessary, the same model could be applied to other cities.
Because he has shown a willingness to act decisively, his approval rating has climbed from 40 percent in July to 45 percent now.
Of course, there is debate about federal takeovers of local police departments, and the poll indicates mixed public opinion on that point. But the fact remains that many Americans believe drastic action is overdue.
They see the president as the one leader willing to prioritize their safety. Charles Arnold, 87, a lifelong Republican from San Diego, spoke for many when he declared, “About damn time that somebody did something.”
Arnold, a Navy veteran and retired electronics technician, admitted that it was jarring to see the National Guard used domestically, but said the reality demanded it.
“That’s not what the armed forces are for. They shouldn’t be there. They shouldn’t have to be there. The police should be allowed to police,” he explained.
“I detest the thought that it needs to be done.” His frustration shows how deeply Americans want safety, and how grateful many are for leadership that takes action rather than waiting for conditions to deteriorate further.
According to the poll, 53 percent of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s handling of crime.
That is higher than his ratings on the economy, immigration, or foreign policy issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His law-and-order stance is proving to be broadly appealing.
White and Hispanic adults show similar levels of approval, while nearly half of independents also back his approach, a striking contrast to their views on other issues.
In a nation as politically divided as ours, it is telling that security is the issue where Trump builds bridges with independents and even some skeptical Republicans.
The sense that crime is a “major problem” extends across party lines. Republicans are the most convinced, but even 7 in 10 Democrats and independents agree.
This broad consensus shows that Americans, regardless of political affiliation, understand the dangers posed by unchecked crime in major cities. Urban residents, who live with the consequences daily, are especially likely to describe crime as a serious threat.
Tiana Parker, a 30-year-old Democrat living outside Seattle, illustrated the reality many women face.
“I don’t feel safe going to Seattle, especially as a woman, at least not by myself,” she said. Parker, who was assaulted on a train years ago, described shootings and threats near her home. While she opposes Trump’s approach, she admitted that crime is “a major problem.”
Even those critical of the president cannot deny the issue is real and worsening in their daily lives.
Other voices share her concerns but disagree with the solutions. Mark Hackl, 49, an IT director in Tulsa who left the Republican Party in 2016, said, “I think crime is always an issue that needs to be addressed. I’m always pro-law and order, so to speak.”
Still, he expressed unease about military involvement. “My raw emotion is I’m horrified by it,” he said. “We’re not supposed to allow the active military to function in the borders of the United States.” His hesitation reflects the tension some feel between principle and practicality.
Nevertheless, more Americans are siding with President Trump’s approach than detractors care to admit.
While 55 percent of adults say they oppose the idea of the federal government taking complete control of local police departments, Republicans strongly support the use of federal forces to back up local officers.
For many, the issue is less about who is technically in charge and more about whether communities are protected. David Gehret, 62, a Republican from rural Pennsylvania, summed it up simply: “Bring it on. Protect us.”
At the end of the day, President Trump is gaining ground because he is responding to the number one concern of everyday Americans: safety. While opponents focus on theoretical debates, Trump focuses on real lives, real families, and real communities that deserve protection.
That difference in priorities is why, even in a politically divided environment, his approval on crime continues to rise.
He is showing strength, resolve, and a determination to keep Americans safe — and that is exactly what the nation has been asking for.
