On Sunday, former President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to the homeless population in Washington D.C., insisting they must leave the city "at once." He promised they would be offered accommodation, but only outside the nation's capital. This declaration, shared via his social media platform, Truth Social, signifies an escalation in his tough rhetoric on crime in the District of Columbia.
"The homeless must go, immediately. We'll provide places for them to stay, but not in the capital," Trump stated. He emphasized that his actions "will happen very quickly, just like at the border," and vowed that there would be no more "Mr. Nice Guy," highlighting his resolve to "take back the capital."
This pronouncement follows an incident where a former Government Efficiency Department official was nearly carjacked, an event Trump has cited to bolster his stance. Last month, Trump signed an executive order that makes it easier to remove homeless individuals from urban areas, a move that has sparked strong opposition from advocates.
Despite Trump's assertions, the Department of Justice reports that violent crime in Washington D.C. hit a three-decade low in 2024, with reductions in homicides, robberies, and armed assaults.
Trump is set to hold a press conference at the White House on Monday to outline his crime-fighting strategy for D.C. Meanwhile, the White House announced last week a seven-day operation featuring increased federal law enforcement presence in the District.
Currently, nearly 1,000 individuals are sleeping outdoors in Washington D.C., and the city's 800 easily accessible shelter beds are already filled. Although there are a limited number of cots available in hypothermia shelters, these are expected to close soon, according to the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty.
Research indicates that clearing camps without a comprehensive plan for housing the displaced reduces public safety, wastes resources, and increases health risks.
Key Questions on Trump's Homelessness Policy
What action did Trump propose for the homeless in Washington D.C.?
Trump demanded that homeless individuals leave Washington D.C. immediately, offering them accommodation elsewhere.
How has Trump justified his stance on homelessness in D.C.?
Trump used a recent attempted carjacking of a former government official as an example to justify his hardline approach.
What has been the reaction to Trump's executive order on homelessness?
The executive order facilitating the eviction of homeless people has faced strong opposition from advocacy groups.