TOP STORY: Trump Orders Crackdown on Homeless in DC, Sparks Clash with Mayor Over Crime and Federal Power
Washington D.C. – August 12, 2025
President Donald Trump has ignited fierce backlash after vowing to forcibly relocate Washington D.C.’s homeless population, claiming they must “move out IMMEDIATELY” as part of a sweeping plan to “take back the capital” and tackle crime.
Speaking ahead of a planned White House press conference today, Trump said his administration would make the U.S. capital “safer and more beautiful than it ever was before”, despite pushback from city officials who say crime is already at historic lows.
️ “The Homeless Have to Move Out”
In a statement posted to his platform Truth Social on Sunday, Trump wrote:
“The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital… The Criminals, you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong.”
The president’s comments were accompanied by photos of tent encampments and rubbish-strewn parks, with Trump promising there would be “no Mr. Nice Guy” approach going forward.
His administration is considering temporary relocation sites—including “high-quality” tent facilities with access to bathrooms and healthcare—based on proposals he floated in a 2022 speech.
️ Federal Agents Deployed, National Guard on Standby
Trump has already ordered federal law enforcement agencies—including the FBI, DEA, U.S. Park Police, and U.S. Marshals Service—into Washington D.C. to crack down on what he called “totally out of control” crime.
According to NPR, 450 officers were deployed over the weekend, and deployment of the National Guard is under active consideration, although not yet confirmed.
️ Mayor Bowser Responds: “This Is Not 2023”
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, pushed back against Trump’s characterization of the city, saying on MSNBC:
“It is true that we had a terrible spike in crime in 2023, but this is not 2023. We’ve spent the last two years driving down violent crime to a 30-year low.”
She also rebuked White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who likened D.C. to Baghdad, saying:
“Any comparison to a war-torn country is hyperbolic and false.”
Federal data suggests that while D.C.’s homicide rate remains high, overall violent crime is at its lowest since the 1990s when carjackings, robberies, and assaults are factored in.
⚖️ Legal and Political Tensions Brewing
Trump has hinted at potentially taking over the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, which Bowser says is not legally possible under current conditions.
“There are very specific legal pathways that would allow a president more control over our police — none of those conditions exist right now,” she said.
Though D.C. operates with local governance, it remains under federal jurisdiction, giving the White House some powers over law enforcement and land use — but not full control without congressional approval.
Homelessness by the Numbers
According to The Community Partnership, a local nonprofit, D.C. has about 3,782 homeless individuals on any given night. Roughly 800 live on the street, while the majority stay in shelters or temporary housing.
Trump’s plan has alarmed advocates and civil rights groups, who fear mass displacement and militarized enforcement without clear humanitarian provisions.
What to Expect
Trump is scheduled to hold a news conference today at 10:00 AM EDT to lay out what he calls a “restoration and safety plan” for the capital, focusing on:
- Relocation of the homeless
- Crackdown on violent crime
- Urban “beautification” and infrastructure upgrades
In another post, Trump acknowledged Bowser’s efforts, calling her “a good person who has tried,” but insisted the city has become “dirtier and less attractive.”
This is a developing story with significant political and humanitarian implications. More updates to follow from the White House and D.C. officials as the situation evolves.
