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Trump Federalizes D.C. Police, Forces Homeless Into Shelter or Jail

Advocates warn that vague operational plans threaten swift legal challenges

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

  • Trump declared a public safety emergency and invoked the Home Rule Act to place the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under federal control for 30 days.
  • National Guard troops and roughly 800 federal agents joined Park Police efforts that have cleared about 70 homeless encampments on federal land.
  • The White House announced that unhoused people will be offered shelter or addiction and mental-health treatment with fines or jail time for refusal.
  • Officials said they are exploring plans to relocate individuals “far from the capital,” but provided no details on destinations, transport or funding.
  • Mental-health and homelessness advocates, along with Mayor Bowser, faulted the policy for vague logistics and warned of pending legal and capacity challenges.