Trump Pledges to Clear Homeless from Washington DC, Jail Criminals
In a bid to tackle the rising crime rate in Washington DC, President Donald Trump has vowed to evict homeless individuals from the nation’s capital and jail criminals who roam the streets.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump said, “We want our Capital back,” promising to make the city safer and more beautiful than ever before.
The President’s pledge comes amidst growing concerns about the surge in violent crime in Washington DC.
Trump has long expressed frustration with the conditions in the city, which is governed by the 1973 Home Rule Act.
The act delegates certain powers to the mayor and the Council of the District of Columbia, with Congress having the authority to review and overrule laws passed by the council.
Crime Concerns
Last Sunday, former Department of Government Efficiency staffer Edward Coristine was brutally attacked by a group of juveniles while attempting to intervene in an apparent carjacking.
At least two of the alleged attackers have been arrested, and a $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the apprehension of the others.
Despite a reported 26% decline in violent crime and a 12% drop in homicides from last year, Washington DC still has one of the highest homicide rates in the country.
According to USA Facts, the city ranked fourth in homicides in 2023.
Mayoral Response
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has said that the city will cooperate with federal law enforcement efforts, but has sought to downplay the need for a federal takeover of the city’s crime-fighting efforts.
While acknowledging the city’s challenges, Bowser has maintained that crime is not spiraling out of control, citing a 7% decline in overall crime rates.
The controversy has sparked a debate about the role of the federal government in addressing the city’s crime problems, with some Republicans calling for a federal takeover of law enforcement in Washington DC.
Trump is expected to provide more details on his plan to tackle crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital during a news conference on Monday.