Trump Issues Ultimatum to DC Mayor Bowser: Fix City’s Homeless Crisis or Face Federal Intervention
President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, urging her to take action on the growing homelessness crisis in the nation’s capital or face potential federal intervention.
In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, Trump pointed to areas near the State Department and the White House, which have seen increasing numbers of homeless encampments. He stressed the need to clear these areas, declaring that Washington, D.C., “must become CLEAN and SAFE!”
“If she is not capable of doing so, we will be forced to do it for her!” Trump wrote. “We want to be proud of our Great Capital again.”
Trump also thanked Mayor Bowser for her efforts, stating, “Thank you, Mayor Bowser, for your efforts on behalf of the citizens of our country. Hopefully, you will be successful!”
The remarks come amid long-standing criticism of D.C.’s leadership and its handling of homelessness. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration over the conditions in Washington, D.C., which he argues are damaging the city’s reputation.
He specifically criticized the visibility of homeless encampments near key government buildings and the White House, areas frequented by foreign leaders and tourists.
Trump has been outspoken about his desire to see the city cleaned up and made safer. His position on the matter aligns with his broader critique of what he perceives as the failure of local Democratic leadership.
“The city cannot remain as it is when foreign leaders come to town,” Trump stated last month, according to Fox News. “There is too much crime.”
“There are too many tents on the lawns – these magnificent lawns.”
Trump’s Wednesday post isn’t the first time he has called for federal intervention. In December 2023, he referred to Washington, D.C., as a “dirty, crime-ridden death trap” and suggested it “must be taken over and properly run by the Federal Government,” according to The Post Millennial.
At a rally in Las Vegas earlier this year, Trump elaborated on his vision for a federal takeover of D.C., promising to “take over our horribly run capital” and bring in “the toughest law enforcement in the country.” He also vowed to make D.C. “look beautiful” again, free from crime and homelessness.
Despite his harsh criticism of the city, Trump has consistently expressed respect for Bowser. The two met last December to discuss shared priorities for the city. Bowser described the meeting as “great,” and both expressed a mutual goal of making Washington, D.C. “the best, most beautiful city in the world.”
Some have interpreted Trump’s post this week as indicating a belief that Bowser’s leadership has not fully addressed the growing issues in the city.
Trump’s comments also come one day after Bowser announced plans to replace the controversial Black Lives Matter Plaza with new murals created by students and local artists. This project is part of D.C.’s America 250 initiative, marking the country’s 250th anniversary next year, Fox News reports.
While Bowser acknowledged the original Black Lives Matter mural’s significance, she argued that the city must focus on more pressing issues, including the “devastating impacts of the federal job cuts,” which she believes must take priority. She also criticized recent congressional efforts to alter the plaza, calling the interference “meaningless” given the current economic challenges.
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
Leave a Comment