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Monday 23/02/2026

Trump's Call for Homeless Relocation Sparks Debate Over Crime in Washington DC

Trump and Mayor Bowser debating homelessness in Washington DC
Sofia RomanoSofia Romano

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • President Donald Trump has demanded the immediate relocation of homeless people from Washington DC, promising alternative accommodations far from the capital.
  • Trump plans to deploy federal law enforcement to address what he describes as rampant crime, despite data showing a decline in violent crime rates.
  • Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser refutes Trump's claims, citing a significant reduction in crime over the past two years.
  • A protest by the Free DC movement is scheduled to coincide with Trump's upcoming news conference on crime and cleanliness.
  • Federal data indicates that Washington DC's violent crime rates have reached a 30-year low, contradicting Trump's assertions.

President Donald Trump has sparked controversy with his recent demand for the immediate relocation of homeless individuals from Washington DC, citing concerns over crime and cleanliness in the nation's capital. In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized the need to move homeless residents "FAR from the Capital," while promising to provide alternative accommodations.

Federal Intervention and Crime Claims

Trump has announced plans to deploy federal law enforcement officers to address what he describes as "totally out of control" crime levels in Washington DC. This move follows an incident involving a former Department of Government Efficiency employee who was assaulted in an alleged carjacking attempt. However, Trump's claims of a crime surge are disputed by local authorities and data.

Mayor Bowser's Rebuttal

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has pushed back against Trump's assertions, highlighting a significant decrease in violent crime over the past two years. "We are not experiencing a crime spike," Bowser stated, referencing federal data that shows a 35% drop in violent crime from 2023 to 2024. She criticized the portrayal of the city as more dangerous than Baghdad, calling such comparisons "hyperbolic and false."

Public Response and Upcoming Developments

The Free DC movement, advocating for the city's self-determination, has organized a protest to coincide with Trump's scheduled news conference. The conference, set for Monday, is expected to outline Trump's plans to address crime and cleanliness in the capital. Despite Trump's claims, the Community Partnership reports that approximately 800 unsheltered individuals reside in Washington DC, with additional support provided through emergency shelters and transitional housing.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The unfolding situation in Washington DC raises questions about the balance between federal intervention and local governance. If Trump's plans proceed, the deployment of federal officers could lead to tensions with local authorities and impact the city's autonomy. Experts suggest that the focus should remain on collaborative efforts to address homelessness and crime, leveraging both federal resources and local expertise. As the debate continues, the upcoming news conference may provide further insights into the administration's strategy and its potential implications for the capital's residents.