Trump’s D.C. Homeless Relocation Plan Raises Questions, Concerns/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump says he will relocate homeless people far from Washington, D.C., as part of a federal policing takeover. Advocates question the plan’s legality and lack of detail, warning against clearing encampments without addressing root causes. The city is adding shelter space, but relocation specifics remain unknown.
Trump Washington Homeless Plan Quick Looks
- Trump says D.C.’s homeless will be moved “far from the Capital.”
- Federal policing takeover framed as part of crime crackdown.
- 2025 count shows 5,138 homeless people in the district.
- Press secretary says encampment residents will be offered shelter, services.
- Those refusing could face fines or jail.
- City adding shelter space for up to 200 people.
- Residents voice concerns about policing and displacement.
- Advocates question legality, lack of relocation details.
Trump’s D.C. Homeless Relocation Plan Raises Questions, Concerns
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has pledged to remove homeless people from the nation’s capital and relocate them far from the city, casting the move as part of his federal takeover of Washington, D.C.’s policing and broader crime crackdown. But with few specifics revealed, the plan is drawing skepticism from city officials, advocates, and residents who warn that forcibly moving people without addressing root causes could do more harm than good.
A City Under Federal Control
Washington’s unique status as a congressionally established federal district gives Trump broad authority to assert control over public safety. On Monday, he announced that federal agencies and law enforcement would oversee policing operations in the city. The following day, his administration made clear that homeless encampments would be targeted for removal.
Trump wrote on his social media site ahead of the announcement:
“The homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital.”
Scope of the Problem
Counting homeless populations is notoriously challenging, but the most recent “point-in-time” survey conducted in January 2025 found 5,138 homeless adults and children in Washington, according to Mayor Muriel Bowser. The figure represents a 9% drop from the previous year.
How the Relocation Might Work
During Tuesday’s White House briefing, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said federal and local police would “enforce the laws that are already on the books,” citing existing city regulations allowing action against homeless encampments.
According to Leavitt, people in encampments would be given the option to:
- Leave voluntarily,
- Move to a homeless shelter,
- Accept addiction or mental health services.
Those refusing assistance could face fines or jail time.
Leavitt pointed to U.S. Park Police activity over the past five months, during which 70 encampments were cleared from federally managed parks. She said only two remained, both slated for removal this week.
City’s Response: More Shelter Space
Following Trump’s announcement, D.C. officials moved to expand shelter capacity. City Administrator Kevin Donahue said outreach teams were visiting encampments and that a building capable of housing 200 people was available if needed.
During a live-streamed discussion with advocates, Bowser criticized Trump’s perception of the city:
“When Trump sees homeless encampments, it triggers something in him that has him believing our very beautiful city is dirty, which it is not.”
Community Reaction and Concerns
Longtime residents expressed worry that federal intervention could undermine local policing relationships and target vulnerable groups.
- Jeraod Tyre, a 15-year resident, noted that “crime has been slowing down lately” and argued that federal troops “do not have relationships with the people in the community” like local officers do.
- Sheiena Taylor, a lifelong Washingtonian, said the sight of federal officers on the subway and in her neighborhood made her fearful, particularly for youth and homeless residents.
“Being homeless isn’t a crime,” she said, stressing the importance of addressing underlying issues such as housing access and mental health care.
What Remains Unknown
Key questions remain unanswered:
- Which specific agencies will be responsible for moving homeless residents?
- Where will displaced individuals be relocated?
- How will new housing locations be managed, and what services will be available?
- What legal authority allows for forced relocation outside the city?
Advocates have raised constitutional concerns about removing people from the district against their will, warning that such actions could face court challenges.
Balancing Enforcement and Solutions
While the administration frames the move as law enforcement, critics argue it ignores proven strategies for reducing homelessness, such as affordable housing initiatives, mental health treatment, and job training programs. Without addressing these root causes, they say, the problem could simply be pushed into other jurisdictions.
For now, the only certainty is that the first encampment removals under the federal plan could begin within days. The broader impact — on both the city’s homeless population and its relationship with the federal government — remains to be seen.
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