US President Donald Trump has urged homeless individuals in Washington, DC, to vacate the city without delay, promising efforts to make the capital safer and cleaner amid rising concerns about crime and increasing federal law enforcement involvement.
In a post on Truth Social this past Sunday, Trump announced he would soon hold a press conference addressing conditions in the nation’s capital. He warned that a swift crackdown on criminal activity was imminent.
“The Homeless must leave, IMMEDIATELY,” he stated, noting that alternative housing would be arranged, “but FAR from the Capital.” The post featured photos of a roadside encampment and people sleeping outdoors.
Homelessness remains a significant problem in Washington, DC, where the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments estimates around 5,138 individuals currently live without shelter. During the 2010s, that number reportedly surpassed 6,000.
Last week, Trump condemned what he described as “totally out of control” crime rates in the city, blaming gang members and local youths for assaults on residents and threatening to federalize the city if the situation did not improve.
“The criminals don’t need to move out,” Trump continued. “They’ll be jailed where they belong. This will happen fast, just like at the Border,” referring to his immigration enforcement policies. “Be ready! There won’t be any ‘MR. NICE GUY.’ We want our Capital BACK,” he added.
To address crime, Trump authorized an increased federal law enforcement presence, citing an attack on a government employee as evidence that local police forces were failing.
On Friday, more than 120 federal officers from agencies including the Secret Service, FBI, and US Marshals were deployed, and Reuters reported plans to send hundreds of National Guard troops to the city.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser contested claims of a crime surge, telling MSNBC on Sunday that violent crime has actually dropped to a 30-year low following two years of concerted efforts.
