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Madrid, an unexpected reference in Trump's security plan for Washington
In an unusual turn, Spain's capital has appeared in the United States' security discourse. Donald Trump, the US president, has pointed to Madrid as an example to follow in his strategy to strengthen security in Washington D.C., a city which, according to him, faces a serious deterioration in public order.
The announcement was accompanied by an internal White House report comparing crime rates in different cities. Madrid ranks first, with fewer than one homicide per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024, far below the more than 27 recorded in the US capital. Cities such as London, Bogotá and Lima appear between the two.
Trump has ordered an initial deployment of 800 National Guard personnel and the direct intervention of the metropolitan police for one month, extendable if necessary. He says Washington is experiencing a situation ‘out of control’, although figures from the Justice Department itself indicate that violent crime there fell by 35% last year, reaching historic lows over three decades.
Meanwhile, Madrid has continued to reduce crime: last year completed homicides fell by 40%, attempts by 30%, and robberies and thefts by 10%. According to the Government Delegate, Francisco Martín, the Community of Madrid has improved ‘in all indicators’, reinforcing its image as one of Europe’s safest capitals.