The White House said Tuesday that homeless individuals in Washington, D.C., could face fines or jail time as part of a crime crackdown. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said those in encampments would be offered shelter, addiction treatment, or mental health services, but refusal could lead to penalties.
The move follows President Trump’s takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and deployment of National Guard troops, citing authority under the Home Rule Act. Leavitt referenced D.C. Code 22-1307 and municipal regulation 24-100 as allowing MPD to act on homelessness issues.
Since Trump’s “Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful” order in March, U.S. Park Police have removed 70 homeless encampments, with the last two scheduled for clearance this week. Over the weekend, Trump urged the homeless to “move out, IMMEDIATELY,” adding they could be relocated “far from the Capital.”
Leavitt said relocation outside the city is being considered but current options remain shelters, services, or jail. The administration has appointed DEA Administrator Terry Cole to oversee MPD operations during the 30-day federal control period.
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