President’s Announcement Follows Threats of Federal Takeover and Claims of Rising Crime
President Donald Trump announced his intention to evict homeless people from Washington, D.C., promising to relocate them to areas “FAR from the Capital.” The declaration, made on his Truth Social platform, follows days of speculation that he might seek federal control of the city, citing what he falsely claims is a rise in crime.
“The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump’s post read. “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 post included images of tents and trash-strewn streets. He said he aims to make the capital “safer and more beautiful than it ever was before.”
READ: Trump Rips California Rep. Nancy Pelosi As “Disgusting Degenerate” Amid Stock Ban Push
The announcement comes after Trump threatened to deploy the National Guard to the city. The White House has not clarified what legal authority the president would use to carry out such an eviction, as Trump’s control is limited to federal land and buildings within the district.
Local officials have disputed the president’s claims of a crime wave. Washington, D.C.’s Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser stated on Sunday that the city is “not experiencing a crime spike” and that violent crime is at a “30-year low.”
READ: Vice President Vance: Indictments Coming For ‘Aggressive Violations Of The Law’ In ‘Russiagate’
Bowser did not directly criticize the president but called “any comparison to a war-torn country…hyperbolic and false.”
Washington, D.C., ranks 15th among major U.S. cities for its homeless population. The Community Partnership, an organization dedicated to reducing homelessness, reports that about 3,782 individuals experience homelessness in the city on any given night. Most of these people are in emergency shelters or transitional housing, with about 800 considered unsheltered.
READ :Texas Gov. Abbott Rips Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s “Racist” Accusations As Redistricting Battle Stews
The president has long expressed frustration with the city’s local governance, which operates with an elected mayor and city council but is ultimately overseen by the U.S. Congress. For the president to take full control of the city, Congress would likely have to pass legislation revoking the district’s home rule, which he would then have to sign.
Trump is scheduled to hold a news conference on Monday to address “violent crime in Washington, D.C.,” where he may provide more details on his eviction plan.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
