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On Saturday, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced a strict no-tolerance policy for homeless encampments, aligning with the Trump administration’s initiatives for “beautification” in Washington, D.C.
The previous encampment policy suggested homelessness should be “rare, brief and non-recurring,” according to the District of Columbia website.
The department explained that the cleanup of public spaces is only activated when a site poses a security, health, or safety risk or disrupts community activities.
“Accordingly, we offer resources for shelter, avenues to permanent housing, and access to behavioral health services for individuals in these areas,” officials stated online.
On August 14, 2025, workers in Washington, D.C., clear tents and personal items during an eviction of a homeless encampment in the Foggy Bottom area. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
Additionally, U.S. Park Police public information officers (PIO) will take a more proactive role, with the option to chase fleeing suspects under certain conditions.
Burgum did not specify what led to the PIO policy change.
The Department of the Interior did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
