President Donald Trump has delivered a pointed warning to Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser regarding the escalating homelessness crisis in the nation’s capital. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump urged Bowser to address the problem or risk federal intervention.
In his Wednesday statement, Trump highlighted the increasing number of homeless encampments near prominent locations such as the State Department and the White House. He asserted that Washington, D.C., “must become CLEAN and SAFE!” and demanded immediate action to remove the encampments. “If she is not capable of doing so, we will be forced to do it for her!” he declared, emphasizing a desire to restore pride in the capital.
NEW: President Trump has notified DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) that “she must clean up all of the unsightly homeless encampments in the City.” pic.twitter.com/6kORkcCkfb
— Resist the Mainstream (@ResisttheMS) March 6, 2025
Trump acknowledged Bowser’s past efforts, stating, “Thank you, Mayor Bowser, for your efforts on behalf of the citizens of our country. Hopefully, you will be successful!” However, his remarks resonate with long-standing criticism directed at D.C.’s leadership concerning their management of homelessness.
Criticism of D.C.’s Handling of Homelessness
Trump’s comments reflect a broader frustration with the conditions in Washington, which he believes tarnish the city’s reputation. The visibility of homeless encampments near significant government buildings poses what he sees as a problem during visits from foreign leaders and tourists. “The city cannot remain as it is when foreign leaders come to town,” Trump stated last month, citing crime rates and the excessive presence of tents on the city’s lawns as major concerns.
🚨Trump warns DC Mayor Bowser to immediately clean up all homeless encampments in the city, especially the one in front of the State Department.
— Danny De Urbina (@dannydeurbina) March 6, 2025
I had to walk past that very tent city every day as my university classes were right in front.
This is what your nation’s capital… pic.twitter.com/T6LfmMxtXS
This isn’t the first time Trump has suggested federal intervention in response to the homelessness issue. In December 2023, he labeled Washington a “dirty, crime-ridden death trap” and proposed that it should be “taken over and properly run by the Federal Government.” His vocal stance continued at a Las Vegas rally earlier this year, where he expressed intentions to bring in “the toughest law enforcement in the country” to revitalize the capital and rid it of crime and homelessness.
A Complicated Relationship with Mayor Bowser
Despite his critical comments, Trump has demonstrated respect for Mayor Bowser, having met with her in December to discuss mutual priorities for the city. Bowser described their interaction as “great,” with both leaders agreeing on the shared goal of transforming Washington, D.C., into “the best, most beautiful city in the world.”
However, Trump’s latest ultimatum may suggest dissatisfaction with Bowser’s leadership, particularly regarding her handling of homelessness. This week’s post coincided with Bowser’s announcement about plans to replace the Black Lives Matter Plaza with new murals designed by students and local artists, part of D.C.’s America 250 initiative, which celebrates the country’s 250th anniversary next year.
REPORT: DC Mayor Bowser says she had a “great meeting” with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. pic.twitter.com/yiEXH9aOjZ
— Resist the Mainstream (@ResisttheMS) December 31, 2024
Bowser defended the decision to focus on new art rather than maintaining the original mural, recognizing its significance but stressing the urgency of addressing more pressing issues. She cited the “devastating impacts of the federal job cuts” as a priority, criticizing recent congressional proposals to alter the plaza as “meaningless” amid the ongoing economic challenges.
As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how Mayor Bowser will respond to Trump’s ultimatum and whether federal intervention will indeed be necessary to tackle the issues of homelessness in Washington, D.C.
