Last Sunday, while en route to his golf club, former President Donald Trump spotted a homeless encampment during his motorcade drive through Washington D.C. Disturbed by the sight, he took to Truth Social and declared, “The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY,” accompanying his message with four photos, one featuring Bill Theodie, a homeless man sitting outside his tent.
After Trump's announcement, which targeted the removal of homeless encampments from city parks, local officials promptly began notifying residents to vacate the area. Theodie, a long-term resident who had been living in the encampment for years, expressed disbelief upon discovering that the image he was in had been shared by the former president politically.
"The fact that he just leaned out the window and took a picture of me and used it as a political tool is insane," Theodie said. He, along with others in the encampment, was pressured to leave immediately after Trump's directive. Reports indicated that officials had usually given at least a week's notice before displacing homeless residents, but Trump’s intervention expedited this process significantly.
Upon investigation of the encampment location, a 10-minute drive from the White House, BBC Verify found Theodie and other residents received little time to prepare for the sudden removal. With heavy machinery, authorities dismantled the tents and belongings left behind.
Deputy Mayor Wayne Turnage indicated this speedier approach followed the president's announcement and noted that while the city had made previous removals, the urgency was apparent this time. The encampment was noted as the largest in the city, housing approximately 11 individuals, illustrating yet again the ongoing battle against homelessness in D.C.
The annual report revealed a total of about 5,138 individuals experiencing homelessness this year in D.C., down from previous counts. The White House has claimed it will relocate those affected into shelters while also offering mental health and addiction services. However, Theodie expressed concern about the threats of arrest and fines should they refuse shelter, stating he had no intention of staying in what he described as unsafe facilities.
The homeless community has voiced that the system’s limitations often leave individuals in precarious situations. Following the eviction, Theodie managed to find temporary lodging in a Virginia motel with the financial help of a kind stranger.
Other residents like George Morgan also faced uncertain futures as they dealt with their new living situations. Morgan recounted using his last funds for provisions for his dog while seeking to extend his stay at a motel, revealing the difficulties they face daily.
As this situation unfolds, many in the community, along with organizations addressing homelessness, continue advocating for systemic changes to improve living conditions for those in dire need.
