Trump is clearing homeless camps in Washington under DEA control

• President Trump announced control over the police in Washington.
• The liquidation of homeless camps continues, despite the decrease in homelessness.
• Experts believe that the liquidation will not solve the underlying problems of homelessness.

In Washington, D.C., homeless camps were liquidated as part of President Donald Trump's campaign, who announced federal control over the local police. General Prosecutor Pam Bondi replaced the police commissioner with the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

At the beginning of the week, Trump announced the disbandment of the National Guard to combat violence and crime in the city. Troops began patrolling the streets, and by Thursday, all 800 soldiers had already been mobilized. Bondi appointed Terry Cula, head of the DEA, as an extraordinary police commissioner, which means that local police are required to obtain his approval before carrying out any directives.

The liquidation of homeless camps began on Thursday, when city service workers cleared the territory, including the camp near the Kennedy Center. According to the press secretary of the White House, since January, nearly 70 homeless camps have been liquidated. Despite the fact that homelessness in Washington has decreased by 9% since 2024, experts assert that the liquidation of camps does not address the root causes of this problem.

Many homeless individuals began collecting their belongings, as they were preparing for the liquidation of the camps. Researchers indicate that homelessness in Washington is linked to the lack of affordable housing, high living costs, and limited job opportunities. Problems that homeless individuals face also include racial discrimination.

Tags: USA/Politics/Crime