Overview

• Trump directed law enforcement to clear a homeless encampment from the park in front of the White House, calling the situation “terrible” and demanding immediate removal.
• The executive order signed on July 24 reduces legal barriers to involuntarily commit individuals with mental illness or addiction to care facilities.
• A new policy directive stipulates that federal grants be prioritized for cities banning wild camping, public drug use and other street encampments.
• President Trump publicly criticized Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser for failing to manage the capital and asserted federal authority to override local homelessness policies.
• These actions formalize a law-and-order framing of homelessness and escalate tensions over social welfare responsibilities between the White House and municipal leaders.