President Donald Trump warned this Sunday that the homeless in Washington D.C. must leave the city "immediately," and assured that accommodations will be provided, but far from the U.S. capital.
The message, shared through his network Truth Social, is part of a hardening of his rhetoric against crime in the District of Columbia.
"The homeless must leave, immediately. We will provide them with places to stay, but far from the capital," he wrote.
Trump stated that his measures "will happen very quickly, just like at the border" and promised that "there will be no 'Mr. Nice Guy'," emphasizing his intent to "take back the capital".
The warning comes days after a former official from the Government Efficiency Department was the victim of an attempted car theft, an incident that the leader has used as an example to justify his stance.
Last month, Trump signed an executive order that facilitates the evacuation of homeless individuals from cities, a measure that has faced strong opposition from advocates for this group.
According to the Department of Justice, violent crimes in Washington DC reached their lowest level in three decades in 2024, with decreases in homicides, robberies, and armed assaults.
Trump announced that he will hold a press conference at the White House this Monday to present his plan to combat crime in DC.
At the same time, the White House reported last week on a seven-day operation that will include an increased presence of federal law enforcement in the District.
Currently, in Washington DC, there are nearly 1,000 people sleeping outdoors, and the 800 beds in the city's easily accessible shelters are already occupied.
There is a limited number of cots in the hypothermia shelters, but they will close soon, according to the report from the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty.
Research shows that evictions of encampments without a plan to housing individuals decrease public safety, waste money, and increase health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Donald Trump's Policies Toward the Homeless and Migrants
What does Trump say about homeless people in Washington D.C.?
Donald Trump has demanded that homeless people in Washington D.C. leave the city immediately. According to his statements, they will be offered housing, but far from the capital. This measure is part of his rhetoric to combat crime and "take back the capital."
What is Trump's executive order on homeless individuals?
Trump signed an executive order authorizing the removal of homeless individuals from the streets and their transfer to treatment centers. This measure is part of his "Make America Safe Again" campaign and aims to redirect federal funds to rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
How does Trump's policy affect undocumented immigrants?
Trump has implemented measures to intensify the arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants. His administration has launched massive operations and proposed the "Return Home Project," which offers incentives for self-deportation but also threatens severe penalties for those who remain illegally in the U.S.
What criticism do Trump's policies face concerning the criminalization of poverty?
Trump's policies have been criticized by human rights advocacy organizations that warn about the criminalization of poverty. Measures to remove homeless individuals and strict immigration policies are seen as actions that penalize the most vulnerable without providing sustainable structural solutions.
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