President Donald Trump has suggested that San Francisco could be the next city targeted with a federal military deployment to combat rising crime. Despite the city’s leadership rejecting such intervention, Trump has voiced frustration with the city’s decline, claiming it has become “a mess” and is unsafe. Local and state officials, however, assert that crime rates have dropped and the need for outside help is non-existent.
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Trump’s Growing Interest in Deploying Federal Troops
Trump’s repeated calls for federal intervention in Democrat-led cities, including Portland, Chicago, and Washington, DC, have raised concerns about the militarization of law enforcement. In his latest remarks, he mentioned that he would recommend deploying federal troops in San Francisco, alleging that the city’s crime issues have spiraled out of control. However, his claims have been widely challenged, with no official request from San Francisco’s government for federal assistance.
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Local Leaders Reject Trump’s Plan
San Francisco’s local leaders have made it clear they do not want a military presence on their streets. State Senator Scott Wiener condemned the suggestion, asserting, “We don’t need Trump’s authoritarian crackdown.” Public defenders and city officials argue that deploying troops would be an abuse of power and undermine local efforts to address crime.
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San Francisco’s Crime Trends and Achievements
Contrary to Trump’s claims, San Francisco has seen a significant decrease in crime rates in recent years. California Governor Gavin Newsom reported a 12.5% reduction in violent crime statewide, with a 22% drop in San Francisco. The city has also witnessed a 45% reduction in homicides and a 40% decrease in robberies from 2019 to 2025, according to local data.
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Governor Newsom’s Pushback Against Trump
Governor Newsom, who served as San Francisco’s mayor, has criticized Trump’s remarks about the city, even sharing a video sarcastically thanking the president for his comments. Newsom has emphasized that crime suppression teams, already in place, are working to ensure public safety without the need for military intervention.
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Local Authorities Confident in Control
San Francisco’s current mayor, Daniel Lurie, alongside local law enforcement leaders, reassured the public that crime is under control. They highlighted the city’s commitment to working with state and federal agencies to combat specific crimes like drug trafficking. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins echoed this sentiment, stating that while San Francisco welcomes federal help when necessary, it currently manages crime effectively on its own.
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The Debate over Militarization of Local Police
The potential deployment of military troops in cities like San Francisco raises significant concerns among civil rights organizations, particularly regarding the impact on immigrant communities. Advocates argue that Trump’s proposed actions could create an atmosphere of fear, deterring people from accessing essential services. The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights is preparing for increased immigration enforcement and possible detentions.
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Criticism of Marc Benioff’s Remarks
Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, recently expressed support for Trump’s suggestion to send in National Guard troops, triggering backlash from local activists and advocates. The billionaire’s comment underscored the ongoing divide between tech elites and local communities on how to address crime in the city.
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Concerns Over Federal Government Shutdown
Critics, including immigrant rights advocates, argue that deploying military forces would be a waste of resources, especially during a federal government shutdown that has already cut critical services. They view the suggestion as both unnecessary and harmful, particularly at a time when resources should be focused elsewhere.