Trump Critiques ABC News' David Muir Over Crime Debate Claims

At a rally prior to his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump took the opportunity to address ABC News anchor David Muir's fact-checking of his statements regarding violent crime rates. During the September presidential debate, Trump asserted that crime was increasing, a claim that Muir contested by suggesting that overall violent crime was decreasing, according to FBI data.

Trump recalled the debate and pointed out the moment when Muir insisted that crime was not on the rise. The former president argued that, despite Muir's claims, subsequent FBI data revealed a significant increase in violent crime, correcting the narrative that was initially presented during the debate. He emphasized that the FBI later acknowledged an increase of 4.5% in violent crime for the year 2022 compared to the previous year.

In response to Muir's assertions, Trump claimed that the FBI's statistics were misleading because they did not encompass major cities with the highest crime rates. He has repeatedly criticized Muir for what he perceives as bias during the debate, where he felt he faced challenges from Muir while Vice President Kamala Harris was not subjected to the same scrutiny. Trump's rhetoric indicates a broader contention with media narratives surrounding crime and his administration's policies.