Chicago Wednesday, August 27th, 2025
President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Washington D.C. as part of a federal takeover of the city’s police department has become a key factor in his handling of crime. According to the latest AP-NORC poll, Americans who are unhappy with Trump’s handling of issues like immigration and the economy are more positive about his tough-on-crime approach. This shift in public opinion has contributed to a slight increase in Trump’s overall approval rating, from 40% in July to 45% now.
The poll also reveals that 81% of Americans consider crime a “major problem” in large cities, a concern that Trump has capitalized on by deploying the National Guard to the District of Columbia and threatening to expand this model to other cities. However, there is less public support for federal takeovers of local police departments, suggesting that opinions may change in the coming weeks or months depending on how aggressively Trump pursues his threats.
As the situation unfolds, National Guard troops are patrolling the nation’s capital, with around 800 troops activated to support federal and local law enforcement. Their role includes monument security, community safety patrols, and protecting federal facilities, with troops following the D.C. National Guard rules for the use of force.
