President Donald Trump emphasized the historic decline in U.S. crime during a recent statement, saying, “Crime, historically in this country, it’s down at the lowest level it’s ever been. We’ve had less murders than we’ve had in decades — and you know why? Because we’re tough on crime.”

Data from the Council on Criminal Justice confirms a 21% drop in U.S. homicides in 2025, the largest single-year decrease on record, bringing murder rates to their lowest level since 1900. The decline reflects a continuation of a trend that began in 2022, when homicides fell 44% from the 2021 peak.

While the reduction in violent crime predates Trump’s 2025 inauguration, his administration attributes the acceleration to stricter enforcement policies, targeted law-and-order initiatives, and expanded crime prevention measures. Analysts note that a combination of federal, state, and local interventions, as well as economic and social factors, likely contributed to the historic decline.

Supporters of Trump’s approach point to the data as validation of a “tough-on-crime” stance, highlighting enforcement, sentencing reforms, and policing initiatives as key factors. Critics caution that broader trends and pre-existing declines should also be considered when assessing the administration’s direct impact on national crime rates.

Regardless, the 2025 statistics mark a significant milestone in U.S. public safety, with homicide rates reaching levels not seen in over a century, signaling a positive development for communities across the nation.