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2w ago

Trump Federalizes DC Police and Plans Forced Homeless Encampment Removals

The federal action marks a shift from housing-first policies to enforcement with compulsory shelter, treatment or penalties for noncompliance.

04 August 2025, USA, Washington: Tents are set up in the city center on the sidewalk at Washington Circle.
A homeless person sits at a bus stop in Dupont Circle, in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 11, 2025. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno/File Photo

Overview

  • Under the Home Rule Act, the president assumed temporary control of the Metropolitan Police Department and deployed National Guard troops across Washington, D.C.
  • White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said unhoused individuals will be offered shelter or addiction and mental health services and could face fines or jail if they refuse.
  • Officials are considering relocating homeless people far from the capital but have not specified destinations, transportation logistics or funding sources.
  • Since March, U.S. Park Police have cleared over 70 encampments on federal land, with the final two camps in D.C. slated for removal this week.
  • Local mental-health and homelessness advocates denounce the measures as a departure from Housing First policies and are mobilizing legal and policy challenges.