Trump Highlights Falling Crime Rates During Long Island Visit
The president cited FBI data showing violent crime fell in 2025 while using a Nassau County police academy appearance to promote his public-safety agenda and weigh in on New York elections.
By Sherry Fan · August 18, 2026 · 2 min read
NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2026 — President Donald Trump highlighted a nationwide decline in violent crime during a visit to Long Island on Aug. 14, using an appearance at the Nassau County Police Academy to promote his administration’s public safety agenda while weighing in on New York politics ahead of the November elections.
The White House released video of Trump’s remarks on Aug. 17, three days after the event in Garden City. Speaking to law enforcement officers, Trump pointed to newly released FBI figures showing that violent crime fell an estimated 9.3% nationwide in 2025 compared with the previous year.
Murder and non-negligent manslaughter dropped 18.1%, according to FBI data, marking one of the sharpest annual declines recorded in recent decades.
“In 2025, we achieved the single largest reduction in violent crime in American history,” Trump said during the event, adding that the country recorded more than 3,100 fewer murders than the year before.
Trump praised local law enforcement and described Nassau County as one of the safest communities in the country. His appearance came at the invitation of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate challenging Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in this year’s gubernatorial race. Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel also attended the event.
The president used much of his remarks to connect falling crime rates with his administration’s approach to law enforcement and immigration, while criticizing Democratic-led policies in New York, including the state’s bail laws. He also voiced support for Blakeman and other Republican candidates competing in closely watched suburban races.
The causes behind the nationwide decline in crime, however, extend beyond any single administration or policy. Violent crime had already been falling in 2023 and 2024 before Trump returned to office, and criminologists have cited a range of possible factors behind the broader trend.
The Long Island appearance also brought the national crime debate closer to New York City. Trump acknowledged the family of 12-year-old Jacob Freytes, who was killed by a stray bullet in the Bronx in July. The president left the stage during the event to greet the boy’s parents and cited the case while criticizing New York’s criminal justice policies.
Outside the event, supporters and protesters gathered near the Nassau County facility, reflecting the political divide surrounding both Trump’s visit and this year’s statewide races.
With New York’s November elections approaching, crime and public safety are likely to remain central issues in both statewide and suburban races, particularly on Long Island.