WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a combative interview with Newsmax, Donald Trump Jr. referred to Portland and Seattle as “craphole cities” and suggested the administration could consider extending federal control of police forces to the Pacific Northwest.
Hinting at Federal Expansion
Speaking Thursday, the president’s eldest son connected the federal takeover of Washington, D.C.’s police force to what he claimed were similar issues in cities led by Democrats.
“Maybe we should roll out the tour to Portland, Seattle, the other craphole cities of the country,” Trump Jr. said. “Not because they’re crapholes but because Democrats made them so. Maybe we’re going to expand this.”
His comments came just weeks after President Trump deployed National Guard troops to patrol D.C.’s streets, justifying the move with unsubstantiated claims that crime had spiraled out of control in the capital.
Echoes of Past Rhetoric
Trump Jr. repeated those claims during his interview, suggesting that murder rates in Democratic-run cities are “through the roof.” His remarks drew immediate comparisons to 2018, when President Trump was reported to have called Haiti and several African nations “s—hole countries.” Trump denied making the remark, though it sparked widespread backlash at the time.
Crime Data Tells a Different Story
Despite the rhetoric, crime statistics show that both Portland and Seattle have seen steep declines in homicides and shootings in recent years.
According to the Major City Chiefs Association:
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Portland experienced a 51% drop in killings in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024.
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Seattle recorded a one-third decline in homicides over the same period.
The numbers reflect a sustained decrease since violent crime peaked in 2021 and 2022. Local officials have credited targeted community programs and investments in public safety for the improvement.
A Familiar Target for Trump
Portland in particular has frequently been singled out by President Trump, who last summer described it as a “destroyed” city during campaign appearances. His administration has repeatedly clashed with city leaders over crime, homelessness, and protests.
Earlier this week, Tom Homan, the president’s border czar, visited Portland, fueling speculation that the administration may escalate its involvement there.
Eyes on Chicago Next
According to the Associated Press, President Trump said Friday that the federal government would next turn its focus to Chicago in what he has described as a nationwide crackdown on violent crime.
The comments suggest that Portland and Seattle may not be the only cities facing additional federal scrutiny.
Reaction to Trump Jr.’s Remarks
Critics of Trump Jr.’s language said his remarks demean communities working to address complex challenges while ignoring the data showing real progress in reducing violence. Civic leaders in Portland and Seattle emphasized that residents deserve accurate portrayals of their cities, not rhetoric that fuels political divisions.
“Federal troops don’t solve community issues,” one Portland resident said. “We need investments in housing, education, and mental health — not more soldiers.”
As the debate continues, Trump Jr.’s comments underscore the administration’s increasingly aggressive stance toward Democratic-led cities, even as statistics show that violent crime has been trending downward.
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