Washington, Aug 27 (AP) - In a move highlighting a significant shift in federal authority, armed National Guard troops are now patrolling Washington, D.C. following a federal takeover of the capital's police department. President Donald Trump's approach to handling crime appears to have gained traction according to the latest AP-NORC poll.
Though criticism lingers over the President’s handling of issues like immigration and the economy, the survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that many Americans view his robust stance on crime positively. Presently, 81% of Americans perceive crime as a “major problem” in large cities, a concern that Trump is clearly addressing with the deployment of the National Guard in Washington, while hinting at similar measures for other cities. His overall approval rating has seen a modest increase, moving up to 45% from 40% in July.
Despite the current support, the poll also reveals limited public backing for federal intervention in local policing, suggesting potential shifts in opinion depending on Trump’s future actions. Presently, many Republicans feel that significant measures are necessary, even as statistics show a decline in violent crime nationwide after a pandemic-era spike.
Charles Arnold, an 87-year-old lifelong Republican from San Diego, resonates with this sentiment. A retired electronics technician and Navy veteran, Arnold remarked on the unusual sight of the National Guard in domestic law enforcement roles, acknowledging it as a necessary step despite his discomfort with the notion. “That’s not what the armed forces are for,” Arnold commented. “But I detest the thought that it needs to be done.” Handling crime seems to be a definitive strength for Trump.
Currently, 53% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s handling of crime, a figure that surpasses his ratings on the economy, immigration, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, aligning with his overall approval numbers. Notably, Trump’s crime policies resonate similarly among white and Hispanic adults, with about half of each demographic expressing approval. Meanwhile, Black adults show substantially less support, with only 27% favoring his crime approach.
Trump also draws significant support from independents on crime, more so than on other issues. Approximately half of independents approve of his crime strategy compared to about 3 in 10 who approve of his economic, immigration, and foreign conflict dealings.
Across the board, Americans consider crime a major issue in large cities, despite declining incident rates. This belief is particularly strong among Republicans, with almost all perceiving crime as a significant concern in large urban areas, alongside roughly 7 in 10 independents and Democrats.
Tiana Parker, a 30-year-old liberal Democrat and suburban Seattle resident, also believes crime is a major problem, albeit with reservations about Trump’s measures in Washington, D.C. and his presidency as a whole. Parker, who has experienced personal incidents of crime, labels Trump's approach as misdirected and potentially harmful, viewing it as an inefficient use of resources that further divides Americans. “I think that it is a gross lack of respect and trust towards his citizens,” she states.
This perspective is echoed by Mark Hackl, a former conservative Republican now independent, living in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Despite his longstanding support for law and order, Hackl criticizes the use of military forces for domestic law enforcement. “My raw emotion is I'm horrified by it,” Hackl commented.
The public shows a preference for the federal government supporting local police rather than taking control. The poll indicates that 55% of US adults view federal control of local police departments as “completely” or “somewhat" unacceptable. Even among Republicans, while there is strong support for military assistance, opinions are more divided on federal takeover, with about half in favor and a third opposed.
David Gehret, a 62-year-old Republican from rural Narvon, Pennsylvania, strongly supports Trump’s actions. “Bring it on,” Gehret asserts. “Protect us.” (AP)
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