‘Homeless, Move Out Of US Capital’: Why Trump Wants A ‘Federal Takeover’ Of Washington Explained

Last Updated:August 11, 2025, 20:24 IST

“The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital,” US President Donald Trump said in social media post on Sunday

US President Donald Trump launched a surge of federal law enforcement in DC over the weekend that up to 450 officers were expected participate in, according to a White House official. (AP File)

President Donald Trump is expected to ramp up efforts to curb crime in the nation’s capital on Monday as he threatens a federal takeover of Washington DC, all while city officials largely remain deferential to him.

The event comes after Trump launched a surge of federal law enforcement in DC over the weekend that up to 450 officers were expected participate in, according to a White House official.

What is happening on ground?

According to CNN, plans called for as many as 130 FBI agents to patrol with DC police as part of the increased federal presence, according to a one person familiar with the plans, which were first reported by The Washington Post. A primary part of their job will be driving around the city, running license plates for stolen vehicles and warrants, a source familiar told CNN. It’s not typical for FBI agents to patrol with local police.

“I’m going to make our Capital safer and more beautiful than it ever was before. The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital," Trump said in social media post on Sunday. “The Criminals, you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong."

3 reasons why Trump wants to federalise DC

Crime and public safety concerns: Trump has repeatedly cited violent crime, carjackings, and youth violence as justification for federal intervention. He has described the city as “totally out of control" and “one of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the world," despite data showing a significant decline in violent crime and homicides.

Homelessness and “quality of life" issues: Trump often points to homeless encampments, graffiti, and overall disorder—especially in high-profile areas—as reasons why D.C. needs stronger oversight.

Image of the national capital: Trump emphasizes that foreign dignitaries—such as Macron, Starmer, and Xi—might witness unsightly scenes like “tents on the lawns." He wants the capital to reflect law and order and “flawless" presentation.

Is crime rising in Washington DC?

Trump has alleged rising crime in DC. But so far this year, overall crime numbers are lower than last year’s, according to a preliminary year-to-date crime comparison from DC’s Metropolitan Police Department — following a similar trend of declining crime rates in major US cities, according to a CNN report. Meanwhile, the local government has largely stayed deferential to the president amid his threats, avoiding the wrath of Trump, who was often at odds with the city during his first term.

Five days after Trump began threatening to “take over" the city, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser told MSNBC that DC is undergoing a massive spike in crime. She also pointed out that the DC Guard is “the president’s Guard" and highlighted her “shared priorities" with Trump, who she said is “interested in being in neighborhoods and fighting crime."

The Democratic mayor, who abstained from criticizing the president directly during the interview, thanked federal law enforcement agencies “who always work cooperatively with us, and we expect that they will again".

What can happen next?

In his second term, Trump first suggested a federal takeover of the city in February, saying it should be run with “law and order." He renewed his focus on crime in DC last week after Edward Coristine, a former Department of Government Efficiency employee, was assaulted in an attempted carjacking.

After that incident, Trump told reporters he is considering having his administration take over the Metropolitan Police Department and bringing in the Guard. The president also said the administration was going “to look at" overturning DC Home Rule – which gives certain congressional powers regarding the governance of the district to local government entities, including the mayor and city council. “We have to run DC. This has to be the best-run place in the country, not the worst-run place in the country," Trump said Wednesday.

The Trump administration can take over the DC police department, which the president has said he’s considering, and deploying the Guard.

What the law says

Under DC Home Rule, the president can take control of the city’s police for 48 hours if he “determines that special conditions of an emergency nature exist which require the use of the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes."

He would then have access to any services of the police department that he “may deem necessary and appropriate."

Trump can retain control for a longer period if he notifies the chairs and ranking members of the congressional committees that handle legislative matters related to Washington, DC, including the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Any request of over 30 days must be passed into law.

But for Trump to truly have the federal government take over governing of Washington, he would need Congress to pass legislation, something which would be unlikely in a tightly controlled Senate.

With CNN, Agency Inputs

News world ‘Homeless, Move Out Of US Capital’: Why Trump Wants A ‘Federal Takeover’ Of Washington Explained

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