Former US President Donald Trump has ignited fresh controversy with his remarks on Los Angeles' homelessness crisis, drawing sharp criticism from advocates and officials alike.
Speaking at a recent event, Trump suggested drastic measures to address the city's visible homeless population, stating authorities should "clean it up fast" without elaborating on specific policies. His comments referenced the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) role in immigration enforcement, drawing parallels between border security and urban homelessness.
Backlash from Advocacy Groups
Homelessness advocates quickly condemned Trump's rhetoric, calling it "dehumanising" and "politically motivated." Local service providers emphasised that sustainable solutions require housing-first approaches and mental health support rather than punitive measures.
Political Reactions
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass responded by highlighting ongoing efforts to expand shelter capacity and affordable housing. Meanwhile, immigration experts questioned Trump's conflation of homelessness with Central American migration, calling it a misleading narrative.
The remarks come as California continues to grapple with one of the nation's most severe homelessness crises, with over 170,000 people estimated to be without permanent housing statewide.
