Washington, DC could soon see a major shake-up in how its streets look, as President Donald Trump has signalled plans to move homeless people away from the heart of the capital.
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Announcing his intentions via social media, he hinted at an upcoming press conference that will unveil more details about the initiative. Trump has linked the move to his broader efforts to address crime and improve the city’s appearance, promising bold action and swift changes. The statement has already stirred conversation across the political spectrum, setting the stage for a closely watched policy reveal.
Trump's statement on homeless relocation
President Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday and said:
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.
His posts were accompanied by photographs of tents and rubbish in the city, along with the warning:
There will be no 'MR. NICE GUY.' We want our Capital BACK. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
While specific details of the initiative are pending, Trump has previously floated similar proposals. In a 2022 speech, he suggested relocating homeless populations to 'high-quality' tent facilities on inexpensive land outside cities, complete with access to bathrooms and medical services. His latest comments follow his order last week for federal law enforcement to patrol the streets of Washington, DC.
The motivation behind the move
Trump's call for action comes shortly after a high-profile incident in the city, where a 19-year-old former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee was reportedly assaulted during an attempted carjacking. Trump shared images of the injured victim online, framing the episode as evidence of 'totally out of control' crime levels.
On Friday, the president deployed federal agents, including officers from the US Park Police, FBI, and DEA, to patrol the capital. According to NPR, up to 450 federal officers were on the streets by Saturday night, with the administration also considering the National Guard's involvement. While Trump contends these steps are necessary to make the city 'safer and more beautiful than it ever was before', Mayor Muriel Bowser disputes the characterisation of Washington, DC as unsafe, labelling comparisons to 'a war-torn country' as 'hyperbolic and false'.
Data from federal sources support her claim of declining violent crime over the past two years, though homicide rates remain relatively high. Meanwhile, Community Partnership, an organisation dedicated to reducing homelessness, estimates around 3,782 people are homeless in the city on any given night, with approximately 800 living unsheltered.
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Sources used:
BBC: Trump demands homeless people 'immediately' move out of Washington DC
