President Trump’s federalization of D.C.’s law enforcement has generated much opposition on the left. Indeed, many have called Trump’s move as racist. A new Rasmussen Reports poll of likely voters provides some interesting insights on who is actually opposed. Those most strongly opposed are whites, Democrats, liberals, those making over $200,000 per year, and those who went to graduate school. By contrast, while the impression is that blacks don’t want Trump sending in the National Guard, those who are least strongly opposed include blacks, Republicans, conservatives, those with just a high school diploma, and everyone who makes less than $200,000 per year.
The bottom line is that those least affected by crime are most strongly opposed to Trump’s effort to reduce crime.
Overall, the new poll finds: “Fifty-two percent (52%) of voters would support the president sending National Guard troops to other cities around the country to help reduce violent crime, including 36% who Strongly Support it. Forty-three percent (43%) would oppose such deployments, including 33% who Strongly Oppose it.”
According to a recent Washington Post-Schar School of Public Policy GMU survey, a large majority of D.C. residents believe crime is a serious problem. In the August 2025 poll, 31% said crime is extremely serious, 14% very serious, and 17% moderately serious. That’s a total of 62% saying “very” or “extremely serious.” Crime is the second most serious issue according to D.C. residents.
An earlier survey this year showed there are sharp demographic differences in how serious crime is perceived. Black residents and lower-income residents are significantly more likely than White or higher-income residents to say crime is a very or extremely serious issue. Black women are among the most concerned groups. In the spring 2025 poll, 65% of Black women said crime is a very or extremely serious issue.
