Kansas City Mayor Touts Crime Reduction, Rejects Trump Credit

Mayor Quinton Lucas says progress made despite, not because of, former president

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ahead of the State of the Union address, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who is also the president of the Democratic Mayors Association (DMA), released a statement claiming that the homicide rate in major U.S. cities is at a 125-year low and that homicides plummeted by over 20% last year, marking the largest, fastest drop ever recorded. Lucas said this progress is happening in spite of former President Trump, not because of him, and expects Trump to try to take credit during the State of the Union.

Why it matters

This statement from the Kansas City mayor highlights the ongoing political tensions around crime and public safety, with Democratic leaders seeking to claim credit for reductions in violent crime while distancing themselves from the policies and rhetoric of the previous Republican administration.

The details

In his statement, Mayor Lucas said that across the country, many cities have seen historic drops in crime, and overall, violent crime is now at or below pre-pandemic levels. He credited this progress to the work of Democratic mayors, while rejecting any claim that it is due to the policies of former President Trump.

  • Ahead of the 2026 State of the Union address

The players

Quinton Lucas

The mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, and the president of the Democratic Mayors Association.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, whom Mayor Lucas expects to try to take credit for the drop in crime rates during his State of the Union address.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The homicide rate in major U.S. cities is at a 125-year low. Homicides plummeted by over 20% last year, marking the largest, fastest drop ever recorded. Across the country, many cities have seen historic drops in crime, and overall, violent crime is now at or below pre-pandemic levels.”

— Quinton Lucas, Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri; President of the Democratic Mayors Association (tonyskansascity.com)

“While there is always more work to do, this data is to be celebrated and our progress is to be commended – which is why we expect President Trump to once again try to take credit in his State of the Union. But let's be clear: This is happening in spite of Trump, not because of him.”

— Quinton Lucas, Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri; President of the Democratic Mayors Association (tonyskansascity.com)

What’s next

Mayor Lucas and other Democratic leaders will likely continue to push back against any attempts by former President Trump to claim credit for reductions in crime during the State of the Union address.

The takeaway

This statement from the Kansas City mayor highlights the ongoing political divide over crime and public safety, with Democratic leaders seeking to distance themselves from Republican policies and rhetoric while touting their own efforts to reduce violence in major cities.