While on his way to his golf club in Washington DC, President Donald Trump spotted a homeless encampment and posted photos of it on Truth Social, demanding that the tents be removed immediately. One of the photos showed 66-year-old Bill Theodie, who was shocked to learn he had been singled out in the president’s post. Days later, Trump announced a crackdown on homelessness in the capital, promising to clear “slums” from public parks.
Following this announcement, city officials quickly moved to clear the encampment where Theodie lived. Normally, residents are given a week’s notice before removal, but in this case, a bulldozer arrived within days. Theodie, who had lived there for years, said officials gave no room for discussion and ordered everyone to pack up. Many belongings were left behind and destroyed in the process.
The city has seen a decline in homeless encampments in recent years, with numbers dropping from nearly 300 in 2023 to fewer than 100 in 2025. However, over 5,000 people remain homeless in DC, many of them in shelters, and around 800 unsheltered. Critics argue that shelters are often unsafe, overcrowded, or lack capacity, leaving people like Theodie unwilling to go. Trump’s plan includes offering shelter and services but threatens fines or jail for those who refuse.
After the removal, Theodie managed to spend a few nights in a motel thanks to donations, though he remains unsure where he will go next. Another man, George Morgan, also displaced by the sweep, found temporary motel shelter for himself and his dog but had no certainty about the future. Both men’s stories highlight the ongoing struggle of homelessness in DC and the challenges of balancing city image with the realities of vulnerable populations.
