During the first year of President Donald Trump’s second administration, violent crime in the United States decreased significantly. According to FBI data released in 2026, the national violent crime rate fell 9.3% from 2024 to 2025. Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter decreased by 18.1%, robbery fell by 18.5%, rape decreased by 7.6%, and aggravated assault dropped by 7.2%. These numbers show that the United States experienced a major reduction in violent crime during 2025 (Federal Bureau of Investigation).
The Trump administration made law enforcement a major part of its domestic policy in 2025. In April, President Trump signed Executive Order 14288, which directed the federal government to provide more support to state and local law enforcement. The order called for improved police training, greater access to federal resources, stronger cooperation between different levels of law enforcement, and better collection and sharing of crime data. The White House stated, “Safe communities rely on the backbone and heroism of a tough and well-equipped police force” (White House). It also directed federal officials to develop policies intended to strengthen the ability of police departments to enforce criminal laws.
These policies could have several positive effects on public safety. Better cooperation also helps police departments recognize crime patterns, determine which areas need more attention, and decide where resources should be used. In addition, better training and federal support may help law enforcement agencies respond to violent crime more effectively.
The falling crime numbers have been connected to the Trump administration’s law-and-order approach. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies helped contribute to the decline (Federal Bureau of Investigation). However, the Council on Criminal Justice found that homicide and several other types of crime were already decreasing in a number of cities before and during 2025. Its researchers explain that changes in crime rates can result from several factors, including law-enforcement practices, violence-prevention programs, technology, economic conditions, and changes in social behavior (Council on Criminal Justice)
The Trump administration’s law-and-order policies may have helped strengthen the law-enforcement response during 2025, especially by emphasizing cooperation, resources, and the use of crime data. However, it is difficult to give one administration full credit for a national change in crime because crime rates are influenced by many different factors. The 2025 data nevertheless show that the decline in violent crime continued during Trump’s first year back in office while his administration placed a strong emphasis on law enforcement and public safety.
Photo: Daniel Torok / The White House, Aug. 21, 2025.
