The White House announced Tuesday that individuals living in homeless encampments in the nation’s capital will face a stark choice in the coming days — accept placement in a shelter for treatment or face jail time.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered the ultimatum while addressing questions about President Donald Trump’s federal takeover of D.C.’s law enforcement. She said most homeless encampments in federal parks have already been removed, with the last two set to be cleared this week.
“Seventy homeless encampments have been removed by the U.S. Park Police,” Leavitt said. “There are only two homeless encampments remaining in D.C. federal parks under the National Park Service’s jurisdiction, and the removal of those two remaining camps is scheduled for this week.”
Options on the Table
Asked about what would happen to those refusing to leave, Leavitt was blunt:
“Homeless shelters, for addiction and mental health services, or jail if they refuse, are the options on the table right now.”
While Trump has previously suggested relocating homeless encampments far outside the city, Leavitt said that option is still “being explored” but is not currently planned.
Crackdown Already Visible
A Fox News Digital tour found that many previous homeless hotspots have been cleared, with abandoned clothing and trash marking former camps. However, in some areas — including downtown parks — tents and small groups of homeless individuals remain.
One downtown park still had about a dozen people with their belongings and tents, seemingly unaware of the crackdown.
Trump: “Crime Is Out of Control”
The move is part of Trump’s broader law-and-order push in the capital, following a string of violent crimes — some targeting federal employees. Trump cited the Aug. 3 attempted carjacking and brutal beating of former Department of Government Efficiency employee Edward Coristine as a tipping point.
“We have a capital that’s very unsafe,” Trump said. “We just almost lost a young man… crime in D.C. is out of control, with young thugs and gang members randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent citizens.”
Trump has vowed to “essentially stop violent crime” in Washington, D.C., describing the city as “one of the most dangerous anywhere in the world.”
