Trump unveils plan to increase federal control over Washington, D.C.

(CNN)- President Donald Trump is set to unveil a new plan for Washington, D.C., aimed at increasing federal control over the nation’s capital, following his recent threats to take greater authority.

Trump criticized the city’s leadership, saying, “We’ve got to get the mayor to run this city properly. This city has to be run. You know, I have the right to take it over.” Part of his plan includes removing homeless people from the streets and relocating them elsewhere.

Homelessness has risen nationwide, with 770,000 people experiencing it last year—an 18 percent increase since 2023. However, advocates warn that forcibly removing homeless individuals could worsen the issue by further marginalizing them.

Republican strategist Scott Jennings expressed concern over safety, calling it “a disgrace that tourists and visitors come to Washington, D.C., and they don’t feel safe.” Trump also aims to reduce crime in the city, reportedly sending FBI agents to patrol alongside local officers.

While the president has the authority to take over the D.C. police force in certain emergencies and controls the city’s National Guard, it remains unclear if he will exercise those powers.

Crime statistics show a sharp year-over-year decline in D.C., though there have been recent incidents, including an assault on a former White House staffer.

Lulu Garcia-Navarro, podcast host for The New York Times, criticized the move, saying, “It seems to be that democratic cities get sort of called out. People that are friends of the president get special treatment. All of a sudden federal forces are called on to police the entire city.”