“We Want Our Capital Back”: Trump Vows to Remove Homeless, Jail Criminals in Washington, DC

US President Donald Trump has pledged a sweeping crackdown on crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital, promising swift and decisive action to “make our Capital safer and more beautiful than it ever was before.”

In a statement posted on Truth Social on Sunday, August 10, Trump said homeless people in Washington, DC, would be moved “far from the Capital” and provided with alternative housing, while criminals would be “put in jail where you belong.”

“This will be easier — be prepared! There will be no ‘Mr. Nice Guy,’” Trump warned, adding that more details would be shared at a press conference on Monday.

The announcement comes days after a violent incident involving former Department of Government Efficiency staffer Edward Coristine, also known as “Big Balls.” The 19-year-old, now working at the Social Security Administration, was attacked by a group of about 10 juveniles near DuPont Circle while attempting to stop a suspected carjacking. Two suspects have been arrested, with a $10,000 reward offered for information on the others.

Trump has already revealed plans to deploy federal law enforcement throughout DC to address crime. Like many major US cities, Washington is dealing with widespread homeless encampments. The city’s unique governance under the 1973 Home Rule Act has sparked debate, with some Republicans suggesting a federal takeover to tackle crime more directly.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, while disputing Trump’s claim of a crime surge, said the city would work with federal authorities. “We are not experiencing a crime spike,” Bowser stated, pointing to police data showing violent crime down 26% from last year, homicides down 12%, and overall crime down 7%.

Still, Washington remains among the top five US cities with the highest homicide rates, ranking fourth nationwide in 2023.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller painted a grim picture, describing DC as “more violent than Baghdad,” though no official comparative data was provided.

The coming days will reveal whether Trump’s tough stance translates into concrete action — and how it will be received by residents and city leaders alike.