President Donald J. Trump’s federal takeover of law-enforcement duties in Washington, D.C.—announced on 7 August and backed by roughly 2,200 National Guard troops—has coincided with a sharp fall in reported crime. A CBS News review of Metropolitan Police Department data shows violent offences fell almost 50 percent between 7 and 25 August from the same period a year earlier, while burglaries dropped 48 percent and car thefts 36 percent. The White House says 1,094 arrests have been made and 115 firearms seized, including suspects tied to the MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gangs. Trump has coupled the deployment with tougher charging policies. During a 26 August Cabinet meeting he instructed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in all District homicide cases, calling capital punishment “a very strong preventative.” An executive order signed the same day directs the Pentagon to create rapid-reaction National Guard units in every state that can be mobilised to quell civil disorder, and establishes a dedicated public-safety unit within the D.C. Guard. Early polling suggests the crackdown is resonating with voters. An Associated Press–NORC survey released this week showed Trump’s approval on crime at 53 percent and his overall approval rating up five points since the operation began, while 81 percent of respondents said urban crime remains a major concern.