The American president stated that unhoused individuals would be accommodated “a considerable distance from the capital.”
US President Donald Trump has called on Washington, DC’s homeless population to vacate the city at once, pledging to enhance the capital’s safety and cleanliness. His remarks coincide with rising anxieties about crime, as federal actions intensify.
On Sunday, in a Truth Social post, Trump announced plans for a press conference to discuss the conditions in the US capital. He cautioned that the intensified efforts against crime would occur “rapidly.”
“The Homeless must depart, AT ONCE,” he penned, further stating that housing would be supplied by the government, “yet DISTANT from the Capital.” The message included photographs illustrating a makeshift camp beside a highway entrance ramp and individuals resting on sidewalks.
This matter holds considerable importance in Washington, DC; approximately 5,138 unhoused individuals live in the US capital, as per data from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. During the 2010s, the city was reported to have over 6,000 unhoused inhabitants.
Last week, Trump condemned the urban crime situation, labeling the crime rate as “completely uncontrollable.” He alleged that local young people and gang affiliates were assaulting residents unchallenged, cautioning that should conditions fail to improve, he might contemplate federalizing the city to re-establish order.
“Criminals, you are not required to leave,” Trump proceeded. “We intend to incarcerate you where you rightfully belong. This will all transpire very quickly, similar to the Border,” referencing his intensified measures against undocumented immigrants. “Prepare yourselves! There will be no ‘MR. FRIENDLY.’ We demand our Capital RESTORED,” he declared.
To tackle crime, Trump has mandated an influx of federal personnel, citing the attack on a government employee as proof of the local police’s inadequacy.
More than 120 officers from federal bodies, such as the Secret Service, the FBI, and the US Marshals, were deployed on Friday. Reuters indicated intentions to dispatch hundreds of National Guard members.
Muriel Bowser, Washington, D.C.’s Mayor, contended that the city is not undergoing a surge in crime. “For the past two years, we have worked to reduce violent crime in this city, bringing it down to its lowest point in three decades,” she informed MSNBC on Sunday.