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As President Donald Trump continues to label major U.S. cities, particularly those led by Black mayors, as “lawless” and in need of federal intervention, a group of these mayors are speaking out. They point to significant declines in violent crime within their cities, directly contradicting the narrative being pushed from Washington D.C. The mayors are using the federal government’s actions in the nation’s capital as a focal point to challenge this rhetoric and highlight their own successful strategies.

Challenging the ‘Lawless’ Narrative

Van Johnson, mayor of Savannah, Georgia, and president of the African American Mayors Association, stated that the current situation provides an opportunity to amplify their voices. “It’s just not true,” Johnson asserted, referring to the claims of rampant crime in major U.S. cities. “It’s not supported by any evidence or statistics whatsoever.” He noted that the focus on cities like Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Oakland – all led by Black mayors or perceived as Democratic strongholds – appears politically motivated.

Trump’s criticism often centers on issues like crime, homeless encampments, and infrastructure. However, data from cities like Washington D.C. itself shows a decrease in violent crime since a post-pandemic peak in 2023, a fact that contradicts the president’s claims. This discrepancy fuels the mayors’ determination to showcase the progress they’ve made.

Data Shows Declining Crime Rates

Mayors from several targeted cities are proudly sharing their crime statistics. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted a “historic progress” with homicides down over 30% and shootings down nearly 40% in the past year. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reported a 14% drop in homicides between 2023 and 2024, calling the federal intervention a “performative power grab.”

Baltimore officials are reporting historic decreases in homicides and nonfatal shootings this year, continuing a downward trend since 2022. Carjackings fell 20% in 2023, with other major crimes also decreasing in 2024. These improvements are often attributed to a “public health” approach to violence, including community violence intervention programs and support services for victims, as implemented in Baltimore under Mayor Brandon Scott.

Community Efforts vs. Federal Intervention

In Oakland, officials reported a 21% drop in homicides and a 29% decrease in overall violent crime in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year. Mayor Barbara Lee credited these successes to collaborations with community organizations and crisis response services. She rejected Trump’s assessment of Oakland as “fearmongering,” emphasizing that community-led initiatives are proving effective.

Community advocates, like Nicole Lee of the Urban Peace Movement, agree that crime has decreased and worry that federal intervention, especially militarized policing, could undermine the progress made through community efforts. She noted that such interventions can create fear and disproportionately affect young people of color, potentially criminalizing them simply for being outside.

Mayors like Savannah’s Johnson also expressed concerns about the effectiveness of military-style patrols versus federal support for issues like multistate investigations and combating gun trafficking. They advocate for partnerships that provide resources rather than imposing federal law enforcement presence.

Watching Washington D.C. Closely

For now, the mayors are closely observing how Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser handles the unprecedented federal intervention in her city. Bowser has been navigating a delicate balance between critique and cooperation, even filing a lawsuit to block the federal takeover. Johnson praised her resilience, stating, “Black mayors are resilient. We are intrinsically children of struggle… We learn to adapt quickly, and I believe that we will and we are.”