White House credits National Guard deployments with historic crime reduction

The White House has issued a formal message recognising National Guard and Reserve members and their employers during National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week. The statement highlights the dual role of citizen warriors who maintain civilian careers while responding to national emergencies, citing recent deployments to major cities as a key factor in restoring order.

In the message, the President stated that since returning to office, the National Guard has been directed to restore law and order, secure borders, and protect communities. Guardsmen have been mobilised to some of America’s most dangerous cities to stand vigil over transit hubs, public spaces, and federal facilities, a move the administration claims has freed local authorities to pursue violent criminals.

The President cited specific crime statistics to support these claims, noting that violent crime fell at an unmatched pace in 2025. Property crime dropped by over 12 per cent from the previous year, described as the second largest drop in history. The statement further reported that the nation is on track for its lowest homicide rate in more than a century, with murders in major cities falling by 18 per cent in the first half of the current year and carjackings dropping by nearly half.

Beyond crime figures, the message linked the presence of the National Guard to broader economic and social improvements. The President reported that business owners are staying open later, employers can staff late-night shifts, and residents are buying homes and opening businesses in town centres that had previously been written off. These improvements were attributed directly to the actions of National Guardsmen, who the statement says have allowed parents to let their children live in their communities without fear of tragedy.

The statement also acknowledged the critical role of employers in sustaining the all-volunteer force. From family-owned shops to large corporations, employers are recognised for holding positions open, maintaining benefits, and providing flexibility for military duties. The White House noted that this partnership allows National Guardsmen and Reservists to train and deploy without sacrificing their civilian careers, while employers gain workers with enhanced leadership and discipline.

The President and the First Lady used the occasion to salute every National Guardsman and Reservist, their military spouses and families, and the employers who stand behind them. The message concluded with a commitment to keeping communities thriving and the Armed Forces the strongest and most respected in the world.