Could the mainstream media be ignoring one of the greatest public safety achievements in over a century?
On Thursday, former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino appeared on "Hannity" to address recent crime statistics, accusing major news outlets of downplaying a significant drop in violent crime under the Trump administration. He highlighted a report from the Council on Criminal Justice, released the same day, which analyzed data from 40 major cities and found declines in 11 of 13 crime categories in 2025 compared to the previous year. The report also indicated that violent crime reached its lowest level since 2019, with a strong possibility that 2025 homicide rates could be the lowest ever recorded when full FBI data is released later this year.
Bongino's Tenure and FBI Achievements
According to Fox News, having recently left his role as FBI Deputy Director earlier this month after a roughly one-year stint aimed at reorganizing the bureau, Bongino emphasized the agency’s accomplishments during his tenure. He pointed to dramatic increases in arrests of violent criminals, record drug seizures, and the capture of several fugitives from the FBI’s most wanted list.
Yet, Bongino didn’t hold back on his frustration with media coverage. He specifically called out Axios and The New York Times for acknowledging the crime drop while seemingly minimizing the Trump administration’s contributions.
The debate over who gets credit for safer streets has ignited passionate discussion. Supporters of the administration argue that policy shifts and law enforcement focus deserve recognition, while critics suggest the trends predate current leadership.
Media Narratives Under Scrutiny
Bongino took particular issue with an Axios article published on Jan. 22, which noted that crime was "already falling to a two-decade low in Biden's final year," questioning whether Trump’s policies had any real effect. That kind of framing, he argued, dismisses the hard work of law enforcement under the current administration.
Equally grating to Bongino was a headline from The New York Times, which he described as alleging FBI Director Kash Patel is "Making America Less Safe." He quipped, "Do you dipwads even read your own headlines?"
The criticism isn’t just about headlines—it’s about a broader narrative. Bongino insists that outlets are crafting excuses rather than reporting the raw success of plummeting crime rates.
Historic Crime Drop in Focus
Speaking to the numbers, Bongino declared, "The murder rate is the lowest it’s been since 1900." That’s a staggering claim, backed by the Council on Criminal Justice report’s suggestion of record-low homicides potentially being confirmed later this year.
Records dating back over a century support the idea that current violent crime levels are unprecedented. This isn’t just a blip; it’s a generational shift that deserves unfiltered attention.
Still, the media’s reluctance to connect these achievements to policy decisions frustrates many who value law and order. Why the hesitation to celebrate what could be a defining moment for public safety?
Leadership and Law Enforcement Efforts
Bongino also reflected on his firsthand experience at the FBI, noting appearances alongside Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel at a Department of Justice news conference on Dec. 4, 2025. That event addressed the arrest of a suspect in the January 6 pipe bomber case, showcasing tangible results.
For those who prioritize results over rhetoric, these milestones matter. The FBI’s refocused priorities under recent leadership have yielded arrests and drug busts that directly impact community safety.
Yet, the narrative battle continues. While crime stats paint a picture of progress, the question remains whether the public will hear the full story or just a filtered version that fits a different agenda.
