Social Media Post Alleges Trump-Era Crackdown Led to 28,000 Arrests, Double Biden's Average

A recent social media post by "Viral News NYC" has ignited discussion by claiming that a "crime crackdown" under former President Donald Trump has resulted in 28,000 arrests this year alone, asserting this figure is "nearly double the yearly average under Biden." The post, shared widely, attributes these observations to conservative political commentator Dan Bongino, whom it incorrectly identifies as an "FBI Deputy Director." The tweet also praised Bongino's alleged efforts in targeting gangs in New York City.

Dan Bongino is a prominent figure in conservative media, known for his roles as a radio host and Fox News contributor. Prior to his media career, Bongino served as an officer with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) from 1995 to 1999 and later as a Secret Service agent from 1999 to 2006, protecting Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. However, public records confirm he has never held the position of FBI Deputy Director, nor is there any indication of his direct operational involvement in current New York City law enforcement or gang-targeting initiatives.

The claim of 28,000 arrests under a Trump-era crackdown and its comparison to the Biden administration's average warrants closer examination. While the Trump administration did launch initiatives such as Operation Legend in 2020, aimed at combating violent crime by sending federal agents to assist local law enforcement in various cities, comprehensive federal data for "total arrests" across administrations can be complex to compare directly. Official sources like the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program track arrests across specific crime categories, and direct year-over-year comparisons across different presidential terms often require careful contextualization due to varying reporting methods and priorities.

"28,000 arrests this year alone — nearly double the yearly average under Biden," the social media post stated, attributing the observation to Bongino.

The post further suggested that Bongino's alleged work in NYC, "without even launching a full-scale surge like the feds have done in other states," was making a significant impact. It concluded by emphasizing the broader societal impact of crime, stating, "when someone becomes a victim, it’s not just them who suffers — it’s their family, their friends, and everyone who knew them." The assertions made in the social media post highlight ongoing debates surrounding crime rates, law enforcement strategies, and the effectiveness of different administrative approaches to public safety.