US President Donald Trump promised today to announce new steps to tackle homelessness and crime in Washington. He did so at a press conference, just days after ordering federal law enforcement to increase their presence in the capital and suggesting that the federal government could take control of the city, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
Last week, the Republican president ordered federal law enforcement to increase their presence in Washington for seven days, with the possibility of "if necessary" that deadline be extended.
"Homeless people must move out, IMMEDIATELY", Trump wrote on Sunday. "We will give you places to stay, but far from the capital. Criminals must not move out. We will put you in jail where you belong."
Trump called Washington "one of the most dangerous cities in the world" after a recent attack on a senior Department of State employee. The attack appears to have been unrelated to the officer's work.
Although violent crime in Washington peaked in 2023, police statistics show that homicides, robberies and burglaries are down this year compared to the same period in 2024. Overall, violent crimes are down 26% compared to the same period a year ago.