In Washington, D.C., the streets have become unsafe. Crime has gone up, and so has homelessness. For years, the city’s leaders have failed to fix these problems. Now, President Donald Trump and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner are stepping in to restore safety and order — and to break the cycle of government dependency that has kept too many Americans trapped in poverty.
Secretary Turner is not afraid to tell the truth. He says that government handouts alone will never solve homelessness. In fact, they often make it worse. When people are given just enough to get by, but not enough to move forward, they stay stuck. That is not compassion — that is failure. Turner wants to help the homeless, not by keeping them dependent, but by giving them tools to become independent.
This new approach is backed by action. The federal government, under President Trump’s leadership, is clearing out dangerous homeless encampments in D.C. These camps had taken over public parks and sidewalks, making it unsafe for families, workers, and tourists. The U.S. Park Police have already removed 70 of these camps. Only two remain, and they are scheduled to be cleared out soon.
People who want help are being offered real assistance. But those who refuse and continue to break the law will face consequences. That’s how a lawful society works. There must be both compassion and accountability.
Of course, not everyone agrees. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and her Democrat allies are calling this a federal “takeover.” But what they call a takeover, many Americans call leadership. The truth is, the mayor had years to fix these problems, and she failed. Crime kept rising. Homelessness got worse. Young people began running wild in the streets. And the city government stood by and watched.
Now that President Trump is taking action, the same failed leaders are crying foul. They claim to care about “home rule,” but what about the rule of law? What about the right of every American — including women, children, and the elderly — to walk their streets in peace?
The D.C. Police Union knows the truth. They recently marked the 100th homicide in the city this year and said they hope this federal action will finally bring change. These are the men and women who risk their lives every day. They see the violence firsthand. If they support this move, it’s because they believe it will save lives.
Let’s be clear: this is not about politics. It’s about protecting the innocent and helping the vulnerable. It’s about ending a broken system where people are left to sleep on sidewalks and suffer in silence while politicians argue about power.
Secretary Turner’s plan is rooted in American values — hard work, personal responsibility, and faith in the individual. That’s what made this country great. The Constitution was never meant to create a government that hands out just enough to keep people quiet. It was written to protect liberty and empower people to pursue happiness on their own terms.
President Trump understands that. He has always believed in lifting people up, not keeping them down. That’s why this new direction from HUD is so important. It offers a hand up, not a handout — and that’s exactly what our cities need.
Washington, D.C. should be a shining example of American greatness. Instead, it has become a warning sign of what happens when leaders forget their duty. Now, with President Trump and Secretary Turner leading the way, there’s hope again — hope for a safer city, a stronger people, and a return to the principles that built this nation.
