UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just announced a controversial plan to remove homeless encampments from Washington, D.C. Trump declared that the “homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY,” raising urgent concerns among advocacy groups about the fate of those affected.
During a press briefing on July 10, 2025, Trump emphasized his administration’s commitment to “rescue our nation’s capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam, and squalor.” He stated that the federal government will take action to dismantle homeless encampments in D.C. parks, but specifics on where the displaced individuals will go remain unclear, igniting fears among homeless advocates.
Trump’s social media announcement hinted at relocating homeless individuals “FAR from the Capital,” but provided no details on available shelters or resources. Advocacy groups are alarmed, questioning the humanitarian implications of such a plan.
“We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital,” Trump remarked, sparking outrage over the vague language and lack of concrete solutions. Dana White, advocacy director for Miriam’s Kitchen, expressed concern that the administration’s approach lacks clarity on transportation, funding, and civil rights issues.
In the same press conference, Trump stated that the federal government would take control of the D.C. police department and deploy National Guard troops in response to rising crime rates. While the focus on homelessness was evident, Donald Whitehead Jr., executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, criticized the lack of actionable information, stating, “It was really an information-less press conference.”
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed that her office has not received further details from the White House regarding Trump’s homelessness plans. “We really haven’t gotten any more detail about the plan,” Bowser said, emphasizing the need for clarity on this urgent issue.
As of now, there are approximately 798 unhoused individuals on the streets of D.C., according to the Community Partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing homelessness. The Trump administration’s previous efforts to clear encampments and push for more stringent measures have met with significant pushback from advocates.
Since March, Trump’s executive orders have led to the removal of over 70 homeless camps in D.C. The latest initiatives reportedly aim to redirect federal funds towards substance abuse programs and challenge existing housing policies. However, advocates argue that dismantling encampments disrupts the fragile support systems that the homeless have established.
When encampments are cleared, individuals often face disconnection from vital services, leading to a cycle of homelessness. “They don’t have a place to go. There isn’t enough shelter,” Whitehead highlighted, stressing the ongoing crisis in D.C.
The urgency of this situation is underscored by the fact that the most recent census showed a 9% decrease in homelessness in D.C. from the previous year. Yet, advocates contend that without sustainable housing solutions, the problem will persist, merely shifting locations rather than resolving the underlying issues.
As developments unfold, advocates and city officials alike are waiting for more information from the administration on how they plan to address this complicated crisis. The community’s response will be crucial in the coming days as they navigate the implications of Trump’s latest announcements.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation evolves, and share this urgent news with your networks to raise awareness about the pressing challenges facing the homeless in our nation’s capital.
