Amid growing worries about crime in the U.S., only about a third of Americans who back the federal government support its involvement in policing major cities. That’s according to a recent poll.
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research announced Wednesday that 32% of those surveyed find federal oversight of local police departments somewhat or completely acceptable. Meanwhile, a solid 55% view it as unacceptable. Interestingly, support is strongest among Republicans, where more than half approve, while a quarter of independents and just 15% of Democrats share that perspective.
On the flip side, nearly 80% of Democrats opposed the idea, along with over half of independents and about a third of Republicans.
This poll comes at a time when the Trump administration has taken direct control of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and deployed the National Guard. This move follows President Trump’s claims of rampant crime affecting the capital, with threats to send the National Guard to other liberal-leaning cities like Chicago as well.
There’s a broad consensus that crime is a pressing challenge, with eight in ten respondents noting it as a major concern in big cities, and two-thirds agreeing it’s a significant issue nationwide. However, this acknowledgment hasn’t translated into support for Trump’s actions in these cities, according to the poll results.
Opinions are mixed regarding the use of military and National Guard assistance for local police in crime response. Over 80% of Republicans advocate for it, while only half of independents and about 30% of Democrats feel the same way.
Crime remains one of Trump’s more popular issues, with a 53% approval rating on how he’s handling it—this is notably higher than his overall approval and other topics. Among independents, 46% approved of his crime-related actions, while 45% disapproved.
The Trump administration’s oversight of the D.C. police, which began earlier in the month, could soon come to an end. The D.C. Home Rule Act permits presidential control for up to 30 days, but an extension requires congressional action.
Yet, the administration has expanded its influence further, recently taking control of Union Station, Amtrak hubs, and other public transport facilities.
The poll was conducted between August 21 and 25, surveying 1,182 U.S. adults, with a margin of error of 3.8 percentage points.
