On Sunday, Trump used social media to declare that his administration would relocate the homeless population far from the capital.
He argued that the move was necessary to reduce crime despite official statistics showing a significant drop in violent offences.
According to the Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness, Washington, D.C., home to about 700,000 residents, has roughly 800 unsheltered people. An additional 3,275 individuals rely on emergency shelters, while 1,065 are in transitional housing.
Trump claimed that removing the homeless was essential to preventing crime.
However, Metropolitan Police data shows that violent crime in the city has fallen 35% since 2023, its lowest level in three decades.
Mayor Muriel Bowser also reported a 26% crime drop this year and disputed Trump’s claims of a crime surge. Bowser emphasized ongoing cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agencies.
Bowser noted that the D.C. National Guard, which Trump has threatened to deploy, is under presidential control, not the city’s authority.
Earlier this week, Trump ordered a surge of federal officers in response to an incident involving a federal employee visiting Elon Musk in the city.
He cited the attack as proof of rising crime. However, police had already apprehended two 15-year-olds at the scene during the incident.
Eleanor Holmes Norton, D.C.’s nonvoting delegate in Congress condemned Trump’s remarks as “wrong and hurtful” to the city’s more than 700,000 residents, the majority of whom are Black and Brown.
She stressed that D.C. should govern itself without interference from federal officials who are not accountable to its citizens.
Hi, I’m Kgopotso, a journalism graduate with honours from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Botswana, specialising in politics and crime coverage.
For me, journalism is about constantly learning how to make informed decisions, holding those who abuse power accountable, and using the power to speak up and question everything that seems deceiving. I’m passionate about keeping society informed, empowering people to be active citizens, and fostering a culture of curiosity and knowledge-sharing.
My reporting explores how politics shapes our lives, influencing the laws we follow, the decisions we make, and even our financial wellbeing. Driven by a desire to keep learning and sharing knowledge, I see journalism not just as a profession but as a bridge between facts and the people they impact.
Outside of reporting, I’m drawn to crime documentaries, especially works by Mariana van Zeller, whose investigations uncover how the underground mafia influences high-ranking professionals and how drugs hold powerful sway over communities, when I’m not watching documentaries, you’ll find me reading books, hiking in beautiful spots, or exploring my creativity through design apps. I also enjoy debating current affairs with friends.
Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has been a powerful source of inspiration for me. Despite the harsh realities of apartheid, she pursued her education with relentless determination, proving that neither oppression nor injustice could silence intellect or resolve.
Her fearless resistance against tyranny, her steadfast commitment to justice, and her lifelong fight for the dignity of marginalized South Africans reflect the courage and principles I strive to embody in my journalism. Like her, I want to challenge entrenched power structures, give voice to those who are unheard, and use my platform to expose injustice, hold leaders accountable, and keep the public well-informed. In this pursuit, I also stand firm against gender-based violence and femicide, crimes that continue to steal women’s freedom, safety, and lives. Mama Winnie’s legacy reminds me that truth-telling and education are not just acts of defiance but crucial services to humanity.
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