Trump Claims Chicago Crime Plunged After Federal Operation as FBI Data Show Smaller Drop

Overview

• In a Truth Social post, the president credited DHS’s operation dubbed “Midway Blitz” and a National Guard presence with recent reductions in shootings, robberies and car thefts.
• He cited decreases of 35% in shootings, 41% in robberies and nearly 50% in vehicle thefts over the past several weeks.
• FBI figures reported by media show violent crime in Chicago fell 11% in 2024 compared with 2023 and is roughly half the pre-pandemic level, underscoring a gap with the president’s claims.
• Trump continued attacks on Illinois leaders, calling Chicago a “hellhole,” while Governor J.B. Pritzker has labeled him authoritarian and warned that using the National Guard without state approval would be illegal.
• Organizers told RIA Novosti that at least 200,000 people demonstrated in Chicago on October 18 to oppose Trump’s policies during his standoff with local authorities.