CBS News has confirmed that President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States saw the largest decline in murder rates in recorded history last year is accurate, according to a recent fact-check published by the network. This marks a significant departure from the usual pattern of mainstream media outlets, which have historically been critical of Trump’s statements.

Fact-Checking the President

During his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, Trump stated, ‘This is the biggest decline, think of it in recorded history, the lowest number in over 125 years.’ In response, CBS News conducted a fact-check and concluded that the statement was indeed accurate, a rare instance where a major news outlet has validated Trump’s claims without reservation.

The fact-check, published by CBS News, cited preliminary data from independent researchers indicating that homicides may have reached a 125-year low in 2025. However, the official FBI crime report for the year is not expected to be released until later this year. The report also referenced a January 2025 study by the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ), which found a ‘strong possibility’ that the homicide rate will drop to about 4 per 100,000 residents, the lowest in recorded history.

Historical Context and Trends

The CCJ report noted that the homicide rate has been declining since 2022, based on annual FBI reports. The study highlighted that the reasons for the decline are still unclear, but possible factors include ‘changes in criminal justice policies and programs, shifts in the use of technology, and broader social, economic, and cultural trends.’

Trump’s statement about the murder rate decline has drawn attention, particularly given the recent controversies surrounding crime and immigration. While the report did not explicitly link the decline to Trump’s policies, the acknowledgment by CBS News is a notable shift in media coverage of the former president.

Notably, the fact-check comes amid broader scrutiny of media bias, especially after ABC News anchor David Muir faced criticism for fact-checking Trump during a presidential debate. Muir’s handling of the issue was seen as a potential conflict of interest, given the new FBI crime statistics.

Implications for Media and Politics

CBS News’ decision to validate Trump’s claim has been praised by some as a step toward more balanced reporting. The network has been under pressure to address perceptions of bias since Bari Weiss took over as editor-in-chief, pushing for greater accountability and a shift away from perceived leftist leanings.

Analysts suggest that this move could signal a broader shift in media coverage, particularly as Trump returns to the White House after his re-election in 2024. The fact-check may also influence public perception, as many Americans have grown increasingly skeptical of mainstream media.

According to the CCJ, the potential record low in the homicide rate could have significant implications for public safety and policy. If confirmed by the FBI’s official report, the data may inform future legislation and law enforcement strategies.

While the reasons behind the decline remain uncertain, the fact that a major news outlet has validated Trump’s claim for the first time in his presidency is a notable development in the ongoing debate over media objectivity and political coverage.

As the FBI prepares to release its full 2025 crime report, the public and policymakers alike will be watching closely to see if the preliminary data holds up. The findings could reshape the national conversation on crime, immigration, and the role of the media in shaping public discourse.