Washington D.C. witnessed a significant mobilization of federal agents on Sunday night following a declaration from former President Donald Trump. He promised a decisive action against crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated, “The homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital.” This bold proclamation was accompanied by a commitment to target criminals, with Trump warning, “Be Prepared! There will be no 'Mr. Nice Guy.' We want our Capital back.”
In a follow-up announcement, Trump scheduled a press conference for 10 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday to discuss his plans to address the issues of crime, murder, and death in Washington D.C.. Interestingly, despite the urgency conveyed in Trump's messages, crime rates in the capital have been on a decline, with violent crime recently reaching a 30-year low in 2024, as reported by the U.S. Justice Department.
On the ground, the immediate response to Trump's declaration seemed less dramatic than anticipated. Groups of federal agents, including personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, were seen patrolling the streets in small numbers. At least 120 FBI agents were reassigned from their other duties to participate in these patrols. One incident, a minor traffic accident involving a car and a moped, attracted a substantial response from agents, some of whom were masked and armed.
Local residents and tourists, who were enjoying summer treats like ice cream, looked on with curiosity as federal officers gathered. However, some expressed confusion about the increased law enforcement presence. In contrast, individuals living in nearby homeless encampments voiced concerns regarding Trump's statements about displacing them. Greg Evans, a 38-year-old resident of a small encampment near the Lincoln Memorial, shared his fears but emphasized the importance of not living in fear. He has faced numerous challenges, including addiction and health issues, and believes that many Americans desire government support for the less fortunate. “I see plenty of compassion,” Evans remarked. “There’s plenty of compassionate people out there.”
Another resident, 65-year-old George Morgan, echoed Evans' sentiments, expressing disappointment with Trump's rhetoric and advocating for more governmental support for housing and healthcare. “As much as God has blessed America, truth be told, we’re in hot water in terms of taking care of our own,” Morgan lamented.
On social media, Trump asserted that the removal of homeless individuals from Washington, D.C. would be part of a broader initiative to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal. “Before the tents, squalor, filth, and Crime, it was the most beautiful Capital in the World. It will soon be that again,” he wrote. However, he did not clarify where displaced individuals would be relocated. In an earlier post, Trump hinted at the possibility of federal oversight of law enforcement in the capital, saying, “If D.C. doesn't get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City.”
In response to the escalating situation, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed the concerns raised by Trump during an appearance on MSNBC. She acknowledged the challenges surrounding homelessness but contended that improvements are being made. Bowser's comments highlighted the complexities of the situation and the need for a balanced approach to address both crime and homelessness in the capital.
