Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner is aiming to break “the cycle of government dependency” in tackling homelessness following President Donald Trump’s federal takeover of Washington, D.C.
“President Trump is the law-and-order President and now he is taking necessary action to restore law and order to our nation’s capital,” Turner said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Americans who live and work in D.C., and families visiting the district, should be able to walk the streets without fear of being mugged or attacked.”
Turner criticized years of ineffective policies and weak leadership in the district, saying they have contributed to crime, violence, and homelessness. “President Trump is bringing back peace and stability for hardworking, law-abiding Americans,” he added.
As part of this initiative, HUD intends to provide tools for self-sufficiency rather than relying on “endless government handouts,” Turner said.
In a post earlier this week, Turner emphasized that “crime halts revitalization in its tracks.”
A major focus of the federal effort involves clearing homeless encampments on National Park Service land across Washington, D.C.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing that individuals have the choice to accept assistance or face legal consequences. “Seventy homeless encampments have been removed by the U.S. Park Police,” she said.
“There are only two homeless encampments remaining in D.C. federal parks under the National Park Service’s jurisdiction, and the removal of those two remaining camps is scheduled for this week,” Leavitt added.
Federal officer presence in the city has noticeably increased in recent days as the crackdown continues. While the move has earned praise from many Republicans, Democrats have raised concerns about federal overreach.
Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged ongoing issues with juvenile disorder but criticized the federal intervention approach. “This is a time where community needs to jump in. We all need to do what we can in our space, in our lane, to protect our city and our autonomy, to protect our home rule,” she said during a town hall livestreamed on X.
Addressing youth involvement in disruptive behavior, Bowser added, “Some of them are our kids. Some are coming from across the region to descend on places like the Navy Yard. Parents, you really need to know where your kids are. Some are not criminals, but they gather in large groups and cause significant destruction.”
The D.C. Police Union has voiced support for the Trump administration’s actions, suggesting the intervention could be a turning point in the city’s crime fight. “Last night, DC suffered the grave milestone of its 100th homicide for 2025. Let’s hope this federal intervention leads to real change to the laws in DC that allow this to happen year after year,” the union posted on August 12.
