Trump To Jail The Homeless?

The Trump White House has launched its toughest law-and-order push yet in Washington, D.C., vowing to clean up homeless encampments that officials say have fueled crime and chaos in the nation’s capital.

On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said homeless individuals will now face a clear choice: accept shelter and services, or face fines and possible jail time.

“The homeless problem has ravaged the city,” Leavitt declared. “We are offering shelter, addiction treatment, and mental health services. But if they refuse, they will be subject to enforcement of the law.”

The announcement comes after President Trump on Monday federalized the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), deployed National Guard troops, and invoked D.C. Code 22-1307 and municipal regulation 24-100—laws that have long gone unenforced.

Since Trump signed his “Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful” executive order in March, U.S. Park Police have removed 70 homeless camps, with the last two scheduled to be cleared this week. Over the weekend, Trump took to Truth Social urging homeless residents to “MOVE OUT, IMMEDIATELY,” promising shelter “far from the Capital” as part of his plan to restore order.

Leavitt confirmed the administration is considering moving homeless individuals out of the city entirely. For now, she said, “shelter, treatment, or jail” are the only options on the table.

The President has also declared a public safety emergency under the Home Rule Act, giving him direct federal control over D.C.’s police for 30 days. He has tapped DEA Administrator Terry Cole to oversee the operation.

“We will reassess after 30 days,” Leavitt said. “Our goal is to make this the most efficient law enforcement operation possible — and last night proved we can get it done.”

With crime still a top concern for voters, Trump’s decisive action in the nation’s capital sends a strong message on safety, order, and accountability — themes that have consistently resonated with Americans who want secure, law-abiding communities.