Trump's 'safe and beautiful' move against DC homeless camps looks like ugliness to those targeted
orlandosentinel.com -- Friday, August 15, 2025, 11:27:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Uncategorized
People being forced from their makeshift living quarters in Washington spoke about feeling persecuted by the move to expel them.
By JACQUELYN MARTIN, NATHAN ELLGREN, MEG KINNARD and CALVIN WOODWARD
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Ms. Jay didn't wait for the authorities to come before packing her tent and carrying what belongings she could across Pennsylvania Avenue on her way to whatever comes next.
She'd been living her "Girl Scout life," she said, saving money and looking for work while homeless. When she got word that the law was on its way, she found herself living the scouting motto: Be prepared.
"Last night was so scary," she said, recalling when federal law officers, in concert with local police, began fanning out across Washington to uproot homeless encampments. "I don't want to be the one to wait until the last moment and then have to rush out."
President Donald Trump's housecleaning started with official Washington and the denizens of its marbled buildings, back in the bureaucracy-scouring days of the Department of Government Efficiency. Now he is taking on the other side of Washington, having sent some 800 National Guard troops to help local police go after crime, grime and makeshift homeless encampments.
Back in early spring, Trump's efforts upended the U.S. Institute of Peace, among other institutions and departments. On Thursday, authorities brought in an earth mover to clear out an encampment within sight of that hollowed-out institute's handsome Constitution Avenue headquarters.
The mission to clean the capital of criminal elements and ragged edges comes under Trump's Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. Some in D.C. believe a different kind of ugliness is playing out.
"From the White House, the president sees a lawless wasteland," said leaders of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. "We see fellow human beings -- neighbors, workers, friends and family -- each made in the image of God."
For Andrew S., 61, the ugliness came Wednesday when agents he identified as being with the federal government treated him like an eyesore. They asked him to move from his resting place along the route where Trump would be driven to the Kennedy Center.
"You have to move because you're in eyesight of the president," Andrew, originally from Baltimore, said he was told. He added, "I didn't really take it serious until today, but the president really doesn't want us here."
He, Ms. Jay and some others interviewed and photographed by The Associated Press declined to give their full names in the midst of the heavy law enforcement presence in Washington.
At the encampment near the peace institute, a man named George, 67, walked away Thursday carrying an umbrella in one hand and a garbage bag with some of his belongings in the other. City workers put his mattress and other possessions in a garbage truck idling nearby. He waved goodbye to it.
It was that kind of day for others at the same site, too.
"I have known homelessness for so long that it is part of normal life at this point," Jesse Wall, 43, said as he cleared his belongings Thursday from the site near the peace institute. "What are you trying to prove here?" Wall asked, as if speaking with the law. "That you're a bully?"
David Beatty, 67, had been living at that encampment for several months. On Thursday, he watched as parts of it were roped off. Beatty and others were allowed to pack up what they could before the heavy machinery cleared remaining items from the area and dumped them into trucks and receptacles.
He quoted a variation of the Bible's Golden Rule -- "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" -- and said, "The idea that he's targeting us and persecuting us feels wrong to me."
Much of the clearing out Thursday was at the hands of local police. D.C. officials knew federal authorities would be dismantling all homeless encampments if local police didn't. Wayne Turnage, a deputy mayor, said the district has a process to do it "the way it should be done."
The expectation was clear, if not overtly stated: Local police would go about the work in a more humane way than the feds.
Jesse Rabinowitz from the National Homelessness Law Center said that, according to the briefing he received on the operation, people would be given the choice to leave or be detained at eight federal and 54 local sites. The intent, Rabinowitz said he believed, was to trash tents in the daylight (because authorities want the public to see that) and do the bulk of arrests in darkness (because they don't want that widely seen).
Born and raised in Washington, Wesley Thomas spent nearly three decades on the streets, struggling with drug addiction, until other homeless people and charitable organizations helped him get clean through therapy and back on his feet.
Now he has had a place to live for eight years and works as an advocate for a nonprofit group that supported him, Miriam's Kitchen, where he's helped dozens find housing.
"The first day I was out there I was penniless, homeless, frightened, only the clothing on my back, didn't know where I was gonna sleep nor eat," he said. "Fortunately, there were some homeless people in the area, gave me blankets, showed me a safe place, St. John's Church, to rest my head for the night."
St. John's is across from Lafayette Park, which is across from the White House. It is known as the Church of the Presidents, because its sanctuary has seen all presidents since James Madison in the early 1800s.
Thomas wanted the public to know that most of the people being moved off are not "uneducated, dumb or stupid," even if they are down on their luck. "You got doctors, lawyers, businessmen, Navy SEALs, veterans, mailmen," he said.
"Poor people come in all races, ethnicities and colors."
Sign Our PetitionThe recent actions taken by the Trump administration to forcibly clear homeless encampments in Washington, D.C., under the guise of making the capital "safe and beautiful," reveal a troubling trend in American governance. This initiative, while framed as a public safety measure, underscores a longstanding pattern of criminalizing poverty and marginalizing vulnerable populations. The experiences shared by individuals like Ms. Jay and Andrew highlight the human cost of such policies, exposing the stark disconnect between political rhetoric and the lived realities of those on the margins.
Historically, the treatment of homeless populations has often reflected broader societal attitudes toward poverty and class. From the early 20th century's "Hoovervilles" to the more recent sweeps in urban areas across the country, systemic neglect and demonization of the homeless have been prevalent. These historical contexts inform our understanding of contemporary policies: they illustrate a recurring theme in American politics where the needs of the most vulnerable are overshadowed by aesthetic concerns of cleanliness and order. The recent actions in D.C. echo the sentiments of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, which rightly points out that what some see as a "lawless wasteland," others see as "fellow human beings." This dichotomy raises critical questions about the moral responsibilities of a society that claims to value human dignity.
Moreover, the deployment of National Guard troops to assist local police in this operation not only militarizes the response to homelessness but also represents a significant shift in the role of law enforcement. The decision to treat homelessness as a criminal issue rather than a social one reflects a troubling trend where punitive measures are prioritized over compassionate solutions. This approach neglects the underlying causes of homelessness, including economic inequality, lack of affordable housing, and insufficient mental health resources. The historical roots of these issues are deeply entwined with systemic factors such as neoliberal economic policies that exacerbate wealth disparities and the erosion of social safety nets.
The response from the local community and organizations advocating for the homeless is crucial in this context. As the article highlights, individuals like Ms. Jay and George are not just statistics; they are human beings navigating an increasingly hostile environment. Advocacy groups have long called for more humane approaches that prioritize housing-first strategies, which focus on providing stable housing as a foundational step toward addressing other challenges like employment and health care. Such approaches have been shown to be more effective and cost-efficient in the long run, yet they remain overshadowed by punitive measures that further entrench cycles of poverty and displacement.
As discussions about homelessness and public safety continue, it is essential to challenge narratives that frame these issues solely in terms of crime and disorder. Instead, we should advocate for policies that recognize the inherent dignity of all individuals, regardless of their housing status. Engaging in dialogue that connects the historical and social contexts of homelessness with contemporary policy debates can strengthen the case for transformative change. For those on the frontlines of these discussions, whether in community meetings or political arenas, pointing out the human stories behind the statistics can serve as powerful ammunition against the harmful rhetoric that seeks to erase the humanity of those affected by such policies. In doing so, we can shift the conversation from one of condemnation to one of compassion and justice.
The recent actions taken by the Trump administration to displace homeless individuals in Washington D.C. under the auspices of the “Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force” raises significant concerns about the treatment of vulnerable populations and the ideological underpinnings of such policies. This approach is not merely an isolated incident; it reflects a long-standing historical trend in American governance where the visibility of poverty and homelessness is systematically erased, often under the guise of beautification and public safety. The displacement of homeless individuals, as described in the article, evokes a broader discussion about societal values, priorities, and the moral imperative to address the root causes of homelessness rather than simply pushing it out of sight.
Historically, the treatment of the homeless has oscillated between neglect and criminalization. In the 1980s, the deinstitutionalization of mental health facilities, coupled with cuts to social services, led to a dramatic increase in homelessness across the United States. Instead of investing in affordable housing and mental health support, many cities adopted “clean-up” strategies that displaced homeless individuals from public view. The current actions under Trump’s administration are a continuation of this troubling legacy, aiming to sanitize public spaces without addressing the underlying issues of poverty, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate mental health services. This trend is not only morally questionable but also counterproductive, as it fails to provide meaningful solutions for those affected.
As concerned citizens and advocates for social justice, there are several actions that we can take to address this situation. First and foremost, we can raise awareness about the realities of homelessness and advocate for policies that prioritize housing-first approaches rather than punitive measures. Engaging in community education campaigns to highlight the stories of individuals affected by these policies is vital. By humanizing the homeless experience and shedding light on the systemic issues that lead to homelessness, we can shift public perception and foster empathy among those who may view these individuals merely as “eyesores” or “criminal elements.”
Additionally, we must mobilize to demand that our local and federal governments implement comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of homelessness. This includes advocating for the expansion of affordable housing, increasing funding for mental health services, and supporting job training programs. We can also push for policies that protect the rights of homeless individuals, such as the right to sleep in public spaces and access to sanitation facilities. By aligning with local organizations that serve homeless populations, we can amplify their voices and push for legislative changes that prioritize human dignity over aesthetics.
Finally, it is crucial to hold elected officials accountable for their actions. We can engage in grassroots organizing, write letters, and participate in protests to demand that our leaders prioritize policies that support marginalized communities rather than exacerbate their suffering. By challenging the narrative that equates homelessness with crime and disorder, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society. It is our responsibility as citizens to advocate for systemic change and ensure that the most vulnerable among us are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
In conclusion, the recent actions taken against the homeless population in Washington D.C. illustrate a deeper societal issue that requires our urgent attention. By addressing the historical context of homelessness, advocating for humane policies, and actively engaging in community organizing, we can challenge the status quo and work towards a society that values all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status. As we approach these discussions with our friends, family, and even those who may hold opposing views, we can emphasize the importance of compassion, understanding, and collective responsibility in fostering a society that truly reflects our shared values.
In response to the recent article detailing the removal of homeless encampments in Washington, D.C., here are some actionable steps we can take to advocate for the rights and dignity of homeless individuals, as well as to push for more humane policies.
### Personal Actions to Take
1. **Educate Yourself and Others** - Research local homelessness issues and policies. - Share informative articles, videos, and documentaries on social media to raise awareness about homelessness.
2. **Support Local Organizations** - Volunteer at local shelters or food banks. For instance, you can reach out to organizations like the **DC Coalition for the Homeless** or **Pathways to Housing DC** to find volunteer opportunities. - Consider donating food, clothing, or hygiene products to local shelters.
3. **Advocate for Policy Change** - Write to local representatives advocating for more comprehensive policies addressing homelessness, such as affordable housing, mental health services, and addiction support.
4. **Engage in Direct Action and Protests** - Participate in local protests advocating for homeless rights. Check local listings or organizations like **Homelessness Outreach Program** for upcoming events.
5. **Petitions and Campaigns** - Sign and promote petitions that call for humane treatment of homeless individuals and the implementation of supportive services instead of punitive measures. Websites like **Change.org** often have active petitions related to homelessness.
### Specific Actions and Examples
1. **Write to Your Local Officials** - Address letters to local council members, advocating for policy changes that support homeless communities. Here are a couple of contacts: - **Councilmember Charles Allen** - Email: callen@dccouncil.us - Mailing Address: John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 110, Washington, DC 20004 - **Mayor Muriel Bowser** - Email: mayor@dc.gov - Mailing Address: John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
**What to Say**: - Express your concern about the treatment of homeless individuals and urge for policies that provide resources and support rather than displacement. Emphasize the need for affordable housing, mental health services, and a compassionate approach to homelessness.
2. **Join or Form a Community Group** - Connect with local advocacy groups like **The National Alliance to End Homelessness** or **Homeless Outreach Program**. You can attend meetings or join campaigns focused on homelessness. 3. **Engage with Local Media** - Write letters to the editor of local newspapers expressing your views on homelessness and encouraging a more empathetic narrative around it.
4. **Support Legislative Changes** - Stay updated on local and national legislation regarding homelessness. Support bills that prioritize housing-first approaches and oppose those that criminalize homelessness.
5. **Utilize Social Media for Advocacy** - Use platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to raise awareness about homelessness, share personal stories from affected individuals, and promote advocacy events and petitions.
### Conclusion The treatment of homeless individuals in our communities is a pressing issue that requires our attention and activism. Through education, direct action, and advocacy, we can contribute to a more just and compassionate society. Engaging with local organizations, writing to representatives, and raising awareness are critical steps we can take to support those affected by homelessness.