Published: July 25, 2025 | By: Staff Writer
In a bold move to address the growing crisis of homelessness in American cities, former President Donald J. Trump has signed a controversial executive order aimed at removing homeless individuals from public spaces, including sidewalks, parks, and underpasses.
📝 What the Executive Order Says
The executive order directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate with state and local governments to:
- Identify and dismantle homeless encampments in major urban centers
- Prioritize relocation of individuals to federally funded transitional housing or emergency shelters
- Increase law enforcement presence in areas with high rates of street homelessness
- Cut funding for cities that refuse to comply with federal homeless enforcement guidelines
🏙️ Why Now?
Trump has long criticized the state of American cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, and New York City, accusing progressive policies of enabling tent cities and unsafe public conditions. The former president described the issue as a “national embarrassment and public safety threat.”
President Trump has signed an executive order to deal with homelessness. He specifically called out California Governor Gavin Newsom for failing to address the crisis effectively. “Newsom has done nothing but make the problem worse by importing millions of illegals,” Trump said. “So I’m going to do Newsom’s job for him — again.”
“We will no longer allow our great American cities to be overrun by encampments and chaos. This is about restoring dignity, safety, and cleanliness to our public spaces,” said Trump during the signing announcement.
🚨 Reactions to the Order
The move has drawn sharp criticism from homeless advocacy groups and civil rights organizations. The ACLU issued a statement calling the order “inhumane and unconstitutional,” warning it may criminalize poverty and violate the rights of unhoused individuals.
Supporters, however, argue the order is long overdue. “This is a necessary step to clean up the streets and restore order,” said a spokesperson for the Heritage Foundation.
📈 What's Next?
The implementation of the executive order will depend heavily on cooperation from state and municipal governments, many of which may resist or challenge the legality of federal intervention. The policy is expected to trigger lawsuits and could become a key issue in the 2026 midterm elections.
📍 Related Links
This article is part of our ongoing coverage of homelessness policy in the United States. For maps of encampments and shelter access points, visit HomelessMap.com.