• Trump calls for immediate eviction of homeless people from Washington, D.C.
• The mayor states the city is experiencing a decline in crime rates.
• Federal law enforcement presence has been increased in response to crime concerns.
• Trump plans to hold a press conference to address crime and beautification efforts.
• Public backlash against proposed federal intervention in local governance is rising.

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that homeless individuals in Washington, D.C., must "move out, IMMEDIATELY," as part of his initiative to make the city "safer and more beautiful." He mentioned that the homeless would be relocated "FAR from the Capital" and that criminals would face imprisonment. Trump's statements were made via his Truth Social account as he remarked on the situation from his route to a golf course, vowing a crackdown on crime amidst rising tensions surrounding safety in the district, according to Newsweek and Reuters.

The move comes despite Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser's assertions that the city is not experiencing a crime spike, and recent statistics indicate a decline in violent crimes. Reports show a 26% decrease in violent crime over the past year, which Bowser has highlighted in her responses to Trump's statements, emphasizing the city's crime has reached a 30-year low. She stated on MSNBC, "We have spent over the last two years driving down violent crime," according to South China Morning Post and CBS News.

Trump's announcement follows a portion of an executive order issued last week to bolster federal law enforcement presence in the capital following a violent incident involving a young Federal staffer. This order has resulted in an increased deployment of federal officers, prompting some local residents to express confusion and concern regarding the federal intervention in local matters. A notable quote from Trump stated, "There will be no 'MR. NICE GUY.' We want our Capital BACK," fueling fears among some in the homeless population who worry about displacement, as reported by India Times and NPR.

In contrast to Trump's claims of a crime crisis, multiple data sources indicate that Washington, D.C. has been experiencing a downward trend in crime rates. The city's police department reported a significant drop in overall crime, with violent crimes falling by 26% in 2025 compared to previous years, according to a compilation of data from the D.C. Metropolitan Police and analyses by various news outlets, including Reuters and BBC.

Mayor Bowser has expressed skepticism over Trump's portrayal of the city and its crime situation, arguing that "we are not experiencing a crime spike," which has become a contentious point between local governance and the federal narrative led by Trump. The criticism has extended to claims of a federal takeover, which would require legislative support, something that remains unclear amidst the ongoing political tension, as detailed in reports from Al Jazeera and Newsweek.