Here’s what Trump is planning.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump is taking bold action to restore safety, law, and order in America’s capital — and sending a blunt message to the homeless population that has overrun the city: accept help or face the consequences.
White House Announces New Crackdown
On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that homeless individuals in Washington, D.C., will be given three clear choices — go to a shelter, accept addiction or mental health treatment, or face fines and possible jail time.
“The homeless crisis has ravaged our city,” Leavitt told reporters. “We will enforce the law and clean up our streets.”
Trump Federalizes D.C. Police Force
This major shift comes after President Trump federalized the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under the Home Rule Act and deployed National Guard troops to assist in restoring order. The move gives Trump full control over the MPD for 30 days, with Congress required to approve any extension.
DEA Administrator Terry Cole has been appointed to lead the federal oversight effort, ensuring swift, coordinated action.
Enforcing Laws Long Ignored
Leavitt made it clear that the administration isn’t creating new rules — it’s enforcing existing laws that have been ignored for years, including D.C. Code 22-1307 and municipal regulation 24-100.
Since Trump signed his “Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful” executive order in March, U.S. Park Police have already removed 70 illegal homeless encampments, with the final two slated for removal this week.
Trump’s Message: Leave the Capital
Over the weekend, President Trump posted an unmistakable warning on Truth Social:
“Move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital.”
Leavitt confirmed that relocating the homeless away from downtown D.C. is a serious option under review.
“Right now, the choices are simple: shelter, treatment, or jail,” she said.
A National Example in the Making
Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency in the District signals a zero-tolerance policy toward crime, disorder, and urban decay — a sharp contrast to years of Democrat-led mismanagement.
For the next month, federal and local law enforcement will operate side-by-side to carry out one of the most aggressive urban cleanup efforts in decades — a plan that could become a model for other cities struggling with homelessness, drug abuse, and lawlessness.
