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Trump Cites Brasília When Talking About Violence in Speech in the USA. U.S. President Compares Crime in Washington to Cities Like Bogotá, Mexico City, and Brasília During Speech on Public Safety
The former American president Donald Trump has spoken again on the topic of public safety. In a speech broadcast by CNBC, Trump cited Brasília when classifying Washington, the capital of the United States, as one of the most violent cities in the world, in comparison to places like Bogotá, Mexico City, and Baghdad.
The statement came during an event where Trump reinforced promises to toughen the fight against crime, vowing to “clean up” the streets and remove homeless people from central areas. The mention of the Brazilian capital surprised many, since Brasília is not listed among the most violent cities in Brazil, according to recent public safety data.
Context of Speech and Controversial Comparison
In the speech, Trump cited Brasília when mentioning homicide statistics that, according to him, would place Washington in a worse position than several Latin American capitals. The president stated that the homicide rate in the American capital would have exceeded 41 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023, which, according to him, would be “more than double” that of Baghdad.
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The comparison sparked controversy because, according to data from the Federal District Public Security Secretariat, Brasília had much lower rates in 2023 than those mentioned by Trump, falling behind capitals like Salvador, Manaus, and Fortaleza. Experts suggest that the statement reflects more of a political discourse than a rigorous statistical analysis.
Washington Under Political Attack
Trump described Washington as a city “taken over by violent gangs, criminals, and homeless people,” citing recent cases of murders, car thefts, and assaults on police officers. Among the examples, he mentioned the murder of a Congressional intern, the attack on an aide to Senator Rand Paul, and the death of a three-year-old child who was a victim of a stray bullet.
The president accused the local administration, led by Democrats, of being “weak on crime” and even of trying to manipulate violence data. He also said that his administration would repeat in the American capital the strategy adopted at the southern border against illegal immigration.
Political Use of Public Safety
Analysts assess that the use of international comparisons, such as when Trump cited Brasília, is part of a political narrative aimed at provoking an emotional impact on the electorate. By associating Washington with cities viewed as violent, Trump seeks to reinforce the idea that the American capital is “out of control” and in need of harsh intervention.
However, urban security experts emphasize that crime rates vary greatly depending on counting methodology, and that comparisons between different countries with distinct legal systems and recording standards can lead to distorted interpretations.
Repercussions and Possible Effects
Trump’s speech quickly resonated on Brazilian social media, with many users mocking the comparison and questioning the president’s knowledge of the reality of security in Brazil. Others, however, pointed out that the mention could reinforce negative stereotypes about Brazilian cities abroad.
For Washington, the speech fits into the U.S. electoral landscape, where public safety is a central theme and often exploited to mobilize voters. Trump, a presidential hopeful, bets on this type of rhetoric to consolidate his base.
What do you think, was Trump’s comparison fair or exaggerated? How do you interpret the use of Brasília in this speech? Leave your opinion in the comments.
Óbvio que foi uma citação direcionada, ao governo brasileiro.
Trump é midiático, usa antigas táticas da CIA: “provocar antagonismo dentro das linhas inimigas”.
Usa bolsonaristas para se degladiarem com petistas, enfraquece o Brasil , fortalece os EUA.
Enquanto o Brasil não tiver um PROJETO DE PAÍS , viveremos entre governos puxadinho/jeitinho, facilmente manipulados por manobras “Color Revolution*”
* tipo de operação encoberta que combina protestos populares, redes de ONGs, apoio financeiro e mediático externo, além de pressão diplomática, para forçar a troca de governo ou mudanças estruturais
Não conheço Brasília, mas na minha opinião, quando compararmos com locais americanos, acho que seria melhor que a Califórnia.
Coitada de Brasília. Tinha que citar Salvador, Rio de Janeiro e Manaus!