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Black Mayors of Cities Trump Decries As ‘Lawless’ Tout Significant Declines In Violent Crimes

August 18, 2025

Black mayors across the U.S. are pushing back against President Trump's characterization of their cities as crime-ridden, citing significant drops in violent crime statistics since the pandemic peak. Members of the African American Mayors Association are highlighting successful crime reduction strategies including youth engagement, gun buyback programs, and community partnerships that have led to measurable improvements. Following the deployment of 800 National Guard members to Washington D.C., Trump has indicated plans to intervene in other Black-led cities including Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Oakland, despite data contradicting his claims about rising crime.

Who is affected

  • Black mayors and their cities (Washington D.C., Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, Oakland, Savannah)
  • Residents of these cities, particularly communities of color and young people
  • Community organizations working on violence prevention
  • Local law enforcement agencies
  • Federal agencies and National Guard members now deployed in Washington D.C.

What action is being taken

  • 800 National Guard members are being deployed to Washington D.C.
  • Federal agents from multiple agencies are patrolling and performing law enforcement duties in Washington D.C.
  • Washington D.C. officials have filed a lawsuit to block the federal takeover
  • Black mayors are publicly challenging Trump's characterization of their cities
  • The African American Mayors Association is amplifying successful crime reduction strategies
  • Cities are continuing to implement community-based violence prevention programs

Why it matters

  • The federal intervention contradicts local crime statistics showing significant decreases in violent crime
  • Mayors see the intervention as politically motivated targeting of Black-led cities
  • Local officials believe federal military intervention could undermine community-based approaches that are proving successful
  • The Justice Department has cut over $1 million in funding for community anti-violence measures
  • The intervention could create an "environment of fear" in communities
  • Potential federal measures like youth curfews could disproportionately impact young people of color

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint