Former US President Donald Trump has stirred fresh debate with a bold assertion: Washington, D.C., he claims, is more dangerous than Mexico City and Bogotá. The controversial statement, made during a recent public appearance, has prompted scrutiny from fact-checkers at The Associated Press (AP).
The Claim Under Scrutiny
Trump argued that the US capital's crime rates surpass those of the Latin American cities, long perceived as hotspots for violence. "Washington, D.C., is far worse," he declared, without providing immediate evidence to support his comparison.
What the Data Reveals
AP's investigation delved into homicide statistics to test Trump's claim. Their findings paint a more nuanced picture:
- Washington, D.C. recorded 24 homicides per 100,000 residents in 2022
- Mexico City reported approximately 8 homicides per 100,000
- Bogotá saw about 14 homicides per 100,000
While Washington's murder rate is indeed higher, experts caution against direct comparisons due to differing methodologies in crime reporting across nations.
Context Matters
Security analysts emphasize that crime manifests differently in each city. While Washington struggles with gun violence, Mexico City and Bogotá face distinct challenges including organized crime and gang-related violence not fully captured by homicide statistics alone.
The AP's fact-check concludes that while Trump's statement about homicide rates holds some truth, it oversimplifies complex security situations in all three capitals.
