But Trump exaggerated or misstated many of the facts surrounding public safety in Washington, where the crime rate has fallen in recent years, while leaving out much of the context. Here’s a closer look at the facts: TRUMP: “It’s getting worse, not getting better. It’s getting worse.”

The US president has declared a public safety emergency as he promises to tackle crime and homelessness in the nation's capital.

Trump said he was putting Washington's police department under federal control and ordering in the National Guard to right lawlessness, despite statistics showing that violent crime hit a 30-year low in 2024.