Trump Takes Cues from San Francisco's Homelessness Approach in Washington DC

Sun Oct 19 2025 20:31:20 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In an unexpected twist, President Trump's new strategy for addressing homelessness in Washington DC mirrors tactics recently employed in San Francisco.

As federal agents begin to clear homeless encampments in the nation's capital, a closer look reveals that this rise in enforcement resonates with similar efforts witnessed in San Francisco, which has seen contentious debates over its own homelessness crisis.

In a significant policy shift, Washington DC is now following the trend set by San Francisco, where local authorities have cracked down on homelessness through the clearing of encampments. This initiative, led by President Trump, has sparked debate and concern reminiscent of the circumstances faced by San Francisco.

The approach began last week when federal agents initiated the removal of homeless encampments in DC, inspired by a Supreme Court ruling that permits the issuance of citations and arrests for homelessness, even in the absence of available shelter. The drastic measures taken in the capital come at a time when homelessness has surged across the United States, particularly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many feel that such punitive actions are necessary for public order, echoing sentiments expressed in various neighborhoods of San Francisco where local businesses have lobbied for a transformation of the city. California's Governor Gavin Newsom, who has had frequent run-ins with Trump, took steps in the previous year to prioritize the clearing of encampments, leading to a visible change in some of San Francisco's iconic streets.

However, the efficacy of these crackdowns remains highly debated, as experts warn that simply relocating the homeless does not address the systemic issues of poverty, mental health, and substance abuse that contribute to homelessness. San Francisco has seen a complicated narrative with arrests increasing and the number of visible tent camps declining; yet, the total number of homeless individuals continues to rise. Advocates argue that these aggressive tactics fail to qualify as genuine solutions to a multifaceted crisis.

While the crackdown in San Francisco was initially met with support from residents seeking safer streets, it drew criticism from advocates who argue that criminalizing homelessness only perpetuates the cycle of instability. Rather than providing comprehensive solutions, these policies often lead to more distress and dislocation among vulnerable populations.

In Washington DC, the intention behind these newly implemented laws is two-fold: dissuade rough sleeping while encouraging those affected to seek help through shelters and supportive housing. As cities grapple with how best to combat homelessness, the ongoing dialogue and actions taken in both Washington and San Francisco continue to reveal both the urgency and complexity inherent in resolving such issues.