Trump Hails Progress After Just A Single D.C. Murder In January

Washington, D.C. recorded just one homicide during the month of January, a dramatic turnaround from the city’s recent crime-plagued years. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the lone murder occurred on January 21, with the victim succumbing to injuries the next day. President Donald Trump credited his law enforcement surge for the dramatic decline, noting over 9,000 arrests since the crackdown began.

The murder count marks a major departure from prior years. In January 2025, ten homicides were recorded in the city. For decades, D.C. had not seen a new year begin with ten consecutive days without a killing. This year’s reduction follows the deployment of federal agents, National Guard support, and intensified ICE and police coordination ordered by President Trump last summer.

“President Trump promised to make Washington, D.C. safe and beautiful again — now it is one of the safest cities in the country,” said White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers. “Thanks to President Trump’s successful federal law enforcement operation, our nation’s capital has seen a dramatic decrease in crime and homicide.”

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said he noticed the Washington Post’s attempt to explain the decline without crediting his administration. “They talked about everything except for the fact that we deployed the National Guard,” Trump said. “They didn’t want to mention that — how dishonest.”

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasized the real-world results. “Because of the surge that the President created in August of 2025, we have seen an incredible reduction in crime,” she said. “People are able to go out on the street and not be assaulted.” Pirro added that her office was prosecuting more criminal cases than ever before in D.C.’s history.

The Trump administration declared a crime emergency in the District last year, citing data showing Washington had the highest rates of robbery, murder, and vehicle theft among large U.S. cities. At the time, Trump warned that violent crime in the capital endangered federal workers and the functioning of government itself.

The president’s posture sharply contrasted with that of city leaders, who had resisted federal intervention for years. Now, Trump officials say D.C. proves what can happen when cities accept help. “Cities across the country with out-of-control crime, like Chicago, should be begging for President Trump’s help,” Rogers said.

Statistics from the Council on Criminal Justice confirmed a broader national trend: homicides fell over 10% across major cities from 2024 to 2025. Eleven of thirteen major crime categories declined during that period. The White House cited this as further evidence of successful federal intervention and the reestablishment of law and order.

“This is what happens when you have a President who fully mobilizes federal law enforcement to arrest violent criminals and the worst of the worst illegal aliens,” said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. “President Trump promised to bring back Law and Order to the United States of America — and he is delivering.”