Breaking News: Trump Orders Homeless Evictions & Considers Federal Takeover of Washington, D.C.

In a bold move stirring political and legal controversy, President Donald Trump announced sweeping measures to address homelessness and crime in Washington, D.C. On Sunday, August 10, he directed that homeless individuals "move out immediately" from the capital, pledging to provide relocation but "far from the Capital." Simultaneously, he signaled the possible deployment of hundreds of National Guard troops to restore order, hinting at a de facto federal takeover of the city.

Trump’s Directive and Rhetoric

Via Truth Social, Trump declared: “The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital. The Criminals... we’re going to put you in jail where you belong.”(turn0search5, turn0news11)

He also promised a Monday press conference to unveil further measures to make D.C. “safer and more beautiful than it ever was before.”(turn0news6)

Federal Law Enforcement Overhaul

Over the weekend, the White House ramped up federal law enforcement in the city, mobilizing over 120 FBI agents, along with Secret Service and U.S. Marshals personnel, to assist local police. Reports suggest up to 450 federal officers have been deployed in response to heightened security concerns.(turn0news18, turn0news37)

Trump also floated the possibility of deploying the D.C. National Guard, a leverage unique to the federal executive in the district. The extent and mission of these troops have yet to be clarified.(turn0news37, turn0news36)

Local Pushback and Crime Stats

Mayor Muriel Bowser pushed back strongly, citing statistics showing violent crime has dropped 26%, with overall crime down 7% compared to last year. She emphasized that the district is not experiencing a crime spike and criticized the move as political theater.(turn0news26, turn0news33)

Trump’s assertion that D.C. has become “one of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the world” stands at odds with these figures.(turn0news18)

Legal and Governance Implications

Experts warn Trump's threat to “federalize” Washington may require overturning the Home Rule Act of 1973, which empowers D.C. with self-governance. Legal insiders caution that a full federal takeover would trigger protracted constitutional and congressional battles.(turn0news17)

As of now, the federal role in law enforcement in D.C. remains constitutionally constrained, with uncertain precedent for evicting homeless individuals from non-federal property.(turn0news39)

What’s at Stake

• Federal vs. Local Authority: The controversy underscores tensions between constitutional mandates and executive assertions.

• Social Safety and Rights: Forced relocation of the homeless raises humanitarian concerns.

• Political Context: With 2026 elections approaching, critics perceive the move as politically motivated.

• Security vs. Perception: Data shows declining crime—yet rhetoric frames D.C. as a crisis zone.