Last Sunday, an unexpected turn of events unfolded in Washington DC as former President Donald Trump, while en route to his golf club, took to Truth Social to express disdain for a homeless encampment he spotted. "The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY," he declared, sharing multiple photos, one featuring Bill Theodie, a member of the encampment. Days later, Mr. Theodie, who had been living on the site for years, found himself forcibly relocated.
Upon seeing his image online for the first time, Theodie reacted with disbelief. "That is insane that he just leaned out the window and takes a picture of me and then posts it on social media in a negative way, using it as his political tool," he stated. Soon after Trump's announcement, action followed, with officials in Washington DC arriving at the encampment to inform residents they were to be moved swiftly.
Bill's tent was located just a short distance from the presidential residence, and when BBC Verify investigated, they discovered a large bulldozer dismantling tents and belongings shortly after Trump's orders. "They said you need to pack it up or they are going to bulldoze it," he described. Wayne Turnage, deputy mayor of the DC Department of Health and Human Services, noted the accelerated removal process was unusual but necessary following the president's statement.
The encampment was reportedly one of the largest in the area, housing at least 11 individuals before the crackdown. The city’s data indicated a significant drop in homelessness, but advocates argue the rapid removals are flawed as many individuals, like Theodie, fear shelter conditions. He refrained from moving to one, despite city promises of various services. “I don't want to go to a shelter - they're bad places," he stated.
After the bulldozers rolled in, Mr. Theodie found temporary refuge in a Virginia motel, thanks to the generosity of a stranger. Highlighting the ongoing struggle, he sought to find a new safe space in DC. Meanwhile, George Morgan, another encampment resident who also received funding for a motel courtesy of an onlooker, summarized his financial plight, stating, "I have to play it by ear as I have no money."
As the situation unfolds, both men, like many others, face an uncertain future in the wake of a political gesture that rapidly transformed their lives.
