Trump Orders Homeless to Leave Washington, D.C., Immediately

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On August 10, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that homeless individuals must vacate Washington, D.C., immediately, as part of his plan to enhance the city’s safety and aesthetics. Speaking via his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump revealed plans for a White House news conference on Monday to outline measures aimed at curbing crime in the nation’s capital. He emphasized relocating the homeless to areas far from the city while vowing to incarcerate criminals, signaling a tough stance on urban issues.

During a trip to his golf club outside Washington, D.C., on Sunday, photographs of homeless encampments along the route were captured, likely by someone in Trump’s entourage, and shared on his social media. These images accompanied his declaration that the homeless population must leave the District of Columbia (D.C.) at once. Trump stated, “The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital.” He contrasted this with his approach to criminals, adding, “The Criminals, you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong.” The post underscored his commitment to restoring order and beauty to the capital.

Trump’s announcement aligns with his recent executive order titled “Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful,” which seeks to address crime and homelessness in the city. Over the weekend, he directed an increase in law enforcement presence in D.C. to support this initiative. The president expressed confidence that tackling homelessness and crime in the capital would be less complex than securing the U.S. border, referencing what he described as a successful reduction in border crossings. “It’s all going to happen very fast, just like the Border. We went from millions pouring in, to ZERO in the last few months. This will be easier. “Be prepared!” he stated on Truth Social.

The executive order, signed last month, facilitates cities’ efforts to remove homeless encampments, reflecting Trump’s broader agenda to federalize control over Washington, D.C. However, the legal authority to evict individuals from the city remains unclear, as the president’s jurisdiction is limited to federal lands and buildings in D.C. The city, with a population of approximately 700,000, has about 3,782 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, according to the Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness. Of these, roughly 800 are unsheltered, living on the streets, while most reside in emergency shelters or transitional housing.

Washington, D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser, appearing on MSNBC on Sunday, August 10, 2025, challenged the narrative of rising crime, stating, “We are not experiencing a crime spike.” She noted that violent crime in the first seven months of 2025 decreased by 26% compared to 2024, with overall crime down by about 7%, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Bowser emphasized the city’s collaboration with federal law enforcement and highlighted her recent discussions with Trump on these efforts. Despite this, Trump’s rhetoric suggests a potential escalation, including the possibility of deploying the National Guard, as seen in other cities like Los Angeles in response to unrelated protests.

Trump’s aggressive stance on homelessness and crime in D.C. signals a broader push to reshape the capital’s image. His Monday news conference is expected to provide further details on how his administration plans to implement these changes, though questions remain about the feasibility and legal framework of his proposals.