On August 10, 2023, President Donald Trump made headlines with a bold announcement regarding his intentions to address homelessness and crime in the nation's capital. He pledged to evict homeless individuals from Washington, D.C., and to jail criminals, despite the city's mayor, Muriel Bowser, asserting that there is no significant spike in crime at present.
While specifics of Trump's plan remain vague, a U.S. official revealed that the administration is preparing to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. This tactic, which has generated considerable controversy, was recently employed by Trump in Los Angeles during immigration protests, despite pushback from local authorities.
The White House official noted that Trump has yet to make a final decision regarding the deployment, with the exact number of troops and their specific roles still being under discussion. Unlike other states where governors activate the National Guard, the president directly controls the Guard in Washington, D.C., allowing him to implement his plans without state intervention.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, "The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. 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." This statement raises questions about the legal authority he plans to utilize for such actions, particularly since he only has control over federal land and buildings in the city.
On Monday, Trump is scheduled to hold a press conference aimed at addressing violent crime in Washington, D.C. However, it remains unclear whether he will provide further details regarding his controversial eviction plan during this event.
According to the Community Partnership, an organization dedicated to reducing homelessness in the District, there are approximately 3,782 individuals experiencing homelessness in Washington, D.C., on any given night. Most of these individuals reside in emergency shelters or transitional housing rather than living on the streets.
In response to a recent violent attack on a young administration staffer, the White House announced an increase in federal law enforcement presence in the city. A White House official confirmed that 450 federal law enforcement officers were deployed across Washington, D.C., over the weekend, with investigations focusing on various alleged crimes such as carrying a pistol without a license and driving on suspended licenses.
Despite Trump's assertions, statistics from the city's police department reveal that violent crime has decreased by 26% in the first seven months of 2023 compared to the previous year, while overall crime rates have dropped by about 7%. Mayor Bowser emphasized on MSNBC's Weekend that the capital is not experiencing a crime spike, stating, "We have spent over the last two years driving down violent crime in this city, driving it down to a 30-year low."
Bowser also highlighted that Trump is aware of the city's collaboration with federal law enforcement, as they met in the Oval Office several weeks ago. Historically, the U.S. Congress controls Washington, D.C.'s budget and governance structure, which would complicate any attempts by Trump to assume direct control over the city’s administration.
As the debate surrounding Trump's plans for Washington, D.C. continues, it raises significant questions about the balance of power, governance, and the effective management of homelessness and crime in urban environments. Observers will be watching closely for any developments following Trump's upcoming press conference.
