US President Donald Trump has intensified his campaign to wrest control of Washington DC from local authorities, demanding the removal of homeless people from the city and threatening a federal takeover amid claims of rising crime. The Republican leader vowed to make the capital "safer and more beautiful than it ever was before," promising swift action against criminals and outlining plans to relocate the homeless far from the city.

Trump’s aggressive stance has met resistance from Washington’s Democratic mayor, Muriel Bowser, who disputed allegations of a crime surge and criticised the White House for comparing the US capital to war-torn Baghdad. The unfolding dispute underscores tensions over governance in a district overseen locally but subject to federal authority.

Trump plans a White House news conference on Monday at 10 am ET (14:00 GMT) to announce his crime-fighting strategy for Washington DC. He has promised to address "ending crime, murder and death" and to focus on the city’s "physical renovation."

What really happened?

On Sunday, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social: "The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital. The Criminals, you don't have to move out. We're going to put you in jail where you belong." He accompanied the message with images showing tents and rubbish in the city, declaring, "There will be no 'MR. NICE GUY.' We want our Capital BACK."

Though details remain sparse, Trump’s approach follows a 2022 speech where he proposed relocating homeless individuals to “high quality” tents on inexpensive land outside urban areas, ensuring access to bathrooms and medical care.

Last month, Trump signed an order easing the arrest of homeless people and recently deployed federal law enforcement officers, including US Park Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, and the US Marshals Service, to patrol Washington streets. A White House official disclosed that up to 450 federal agents were active on the streets over the weekend.

According to CNN, plans involve deploying around 130 FBI agents to work alongside local police, primarily focusing on running license plate checks for stolen vehicles and outstanding warrants — a role that is uncommon for FBI personnel.

Why Trump wants control of Washington DC

Three main reasons drive Trump’s push for a federal takeover:

  1. Crime and public safety: Trump has painted Washington DC as "totally out of control" and "one of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the world," citing violent crime, carjackings, and youth violence as justification for intervention — despite data showing recent declines.
  2. Homelessness and quality of life: The president has highlighted homeless encampments, graffiti, and disorder, especially near landmarks, as signs the city needs stronger oversight.
  3. Image of the national capital: Trump emphasises the capital’s role as a showcase for foreign dignitaries, arguing it must avoid scenes like “tents on the lawns” to maintain an image of law and order.

In addition to federal law enforcement, Trump has considered deploying National Guard troops to Washington DC, though no final decision has been made. This threat echoes his recent controversial deployment of thousands of National Guard members to Los Angeles in response to protests against immigration raids, a move that sparked legal challenges.

Trump has long expressed frustration with Washington’s local government, repeatedly threatening to federalise the city — a status that would shift control from the District of Columbia’s elected leaders to the White House.

Local leadership pushes back

Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged a spike in violent crime during 2023 but insisted the current situation does not reflect a surge. Speaking to MSNBC, she said: "We are not experiencing a crime spike," and called comparisons of Washington DC to Baghdad "hyperbolic and false."

Bowser also emphasised that the DC National Guard is under the president’s control, signalling some shared priorities despite political differences. She thanked federal law enforcement for their cooperation but stressed that Washington has steadily reduced violent crime over the past two years, reaching a 30-year low.

Washington’s homicide rate remains relatively high compared to other US cities, with 98 murders recorded this year so far, but overall violent crime has been declining, according to federal data.

The reality of crime and homelessness in DC

Washington DC is home to approximately 700,000 residents, with an estimated 3,782 homeless people on any given night. While most stay in shelters or public housing, around 800 are unsheltered.

Crime statistics indicate a complex picture. Although homicides have increased compared to a decade ago, violent crime overall fell by 26 percent in the first half of 2025 compared with the previous year. The Justice Department reports that 2024 saw the city’s lowest violent crime rates in 30 years.

The legal framework and limits of a federal takeover

Washington DC operates under a unique governance structure known as DC Home Rule, which grants the local government authority while keeping the district under congressional oversight. The president can assume temporary control of the Metropolitan Police Department for up to 48 hours if declaring an emergency, extending that control longer only with congressional approval.

For a full federal takeover of city governance, Congress would need to pass legislation — a prospect complicated by a closely divided Senate. Trump has expressed interest in overturning DC Home Rule to "run DC" as he sees fit, declaring, "This has to be the best-run place in the country, not the worst-run place in the country."

Mayor Bowser has dismissed claims that Trump could easily federalise the police department, saying, "There are very specific things in our law that would allow the president to have more control over our police department. None of those conditions exist in our city right now."

(With inputs from agencies)