President Donald Trump has called on Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser to clear homeless encampments in the city, warning of potential federal intervention if she fails to act.
In a post on social media, the president called on the mayor to clean the homeless encampments in the city, specifically in areas near federal buildings.
“We have notified the Mayor of Washington, D.C., that she must clean up all of the unsightly homeless encampments in the City, specifically including the ones outside of the State Department, and near the White House,” Trump posted. “If she is not capable of doing so, we will be forced to do it for her! Washington, D.C. must become CLEAN and SAFE!”
“We want to be proud of our Great Capital again,” he added. “Thank you Mayor Bowser for your efforts on behalf of the Citizens of our Country. Hopefully you will be successful!”
Trump has previously suggested that the federal government should take over management of the nation’s capital, arguing that it needs better leadership given the number of foreign dignitaries who visit.
“They’re not doing the job,” Trump said last month, criticizing city officials. He added that there is “too much crime” and “too many tents on the lawns.”
According to Fox News, Trump and Bowser met in December to discuss priorities for the city. Bowser described the meeting as “great.”
“President Trump and I both want Washington, DC to be the best, most beautiful city in the world and we want the capital city to reflect the strength of our nation,” Bowser said at the time.
Trump’s post also follows Bowser’s recent announcement that the city will replace Black Lives Matter Plaza with murals created by students and artists. The change will be part of DC’s America 250 project, which commemorates the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Bowser had previously declared the plaza permanent in 2021.
“The mural inspired millions of people and helped our city through a painful period, but now we can’t afford to be distracted by meaningless congressional interference,” Bowser said in a statement, referring to proposed legislation that would alter the plaza.
