The Donald Trump administration has begun a major crackdown on homeless people living in camps across Washington, D.C. The White House says people who refuse to accept help will face jail time as the federal government takes control of law enforcement in the nation’s capital.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt made clear during a Tuesday press conference that the administration is moving quickly to clear out homeless camps. She said that 70 homeless camps have already been removed by the U.S. Park Police across the city.
According to Fox News, when reporters asked what options are available to homeless people in the camps, Leavitt was direct about what would happen next. She said, “Homeless shelters, for addiction and mental health services, or jail if they refuse, are the options on the table right now.” The statement shows how serious the administration is about forcing people off the streets.
Only two homeless camps remain in federal parks
Leavitt said there are now only two homeless camps left in D.C. federal parks that fall under the National Park Service. She expects both of these remaining camps to be cleared out this week. The Metropolitan Police Department will join the Park Police in this effort, despite early signs that the federal takeover faces immediate challenges.
A recent tour by Fox News Digital found that many places where homeless people used to gather have been cleared. Only old clothes and food containers were left behind as signs that people had been living there. However, in other parts of the city, including downtown areas, homeless people continue to sleep in parks and on street corners.
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) August 12, 2025
NEW—OPTIONS FOR DC HOMELESS:
-Homeless shelters
-Addiction/mental health services
Refusal to leave encampment could mean fines/jail time.
"[D.C. Code 221307 & D.C. Municipal Reg 24100] are pre existing laws that are already on the books. They just have NOT been enforced."pic.twitter.com/KqQp5XKonf
At one park, about a dozen people were still gathered with their things and a few tents. They seemed unaware of the new crackdown happening around the city. A dried red substance was seen on the sidewalk outside their makeshift camp.
President Trump has called Washington, D.C., “one of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the world.” On Saturday, he said his administration will “essentially, stop violent crime” in the nation’s capital. The focus on clearing homeless camps comes after several violent incidents in the city, including attacks on federal workers. One high-profile case involved a former employee from the Department of Government Efficiency who was the victim of an attempted carjacking.
Trump described crime in D.C. as “out of control” and talked about young people he called “thugs” and “gang members” who are “randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent citizens.” The president also mentioned Edward Coristine, the former DOGE employee who was attacked, saying, “We just almost lost a young man, a beautiful, handsome guy that got the hell knocked out of him.”
The administration had earlier considered moving homeless camps to locations far outside the city, part of broader military deployment strategies being used in multiple cities. Leavitt confirmed they are still “exploring” this option, but said it is not currently being put into action. For now, the focus remains on the two-choice system of shelter and treatment services or jail time for those who refuse help.
