| Written by Corine Gatti-Santillo |

The Washington Post reported President Donald Trump is working to end the crisis of homelessness in California. He could use federal authority to terminate the homeless crisis at Skid Row in Los Angeles and other cities, where once eradicated diseases are resurfacing.

“Like many Americans, the president has taken notice of the homelessness crisis, particularly in cities and states where the liberal policies of overregulation, excessive taxation, and poor public service delivery are combining to dramatically increase poverty and public health risks,” said White House spokesman Judd Deere.

Unsanitary conditions have health officials concerned. A rat infestation from trash has contributed to typhus outbreaks. The bubonic plague which killed millions in the 14th-Century could resurface, some worry. 

Estela Lopez, Executive Director of the Central City East Association, near Skid Row in Los Angeles, told NBC “illegally dumping, food being discarded, accumulation of blankets and pillows, and human waste” is inviting diseases. Many are calling California a “Third World State.”

Even anti-Trump celebrities like Cher are calling for action.

I finally agree with @Cher! pic.twitter.com/i5acSgUrCk

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019

“Los Angeles isn’t taking care of its own. What about the 50,000+ citizens who live on the streets? If my state can’t take [care of] its own, how can it take care of more?” 

High rates of homelessness have attributed to astronomical rents and incomes for lower-wage workers flatlined, leading to homelessness and people living in cars. California’s independent external auditor published disturbing findings in 2017. At that time, 134,000 homeless people “represented about 24 percent of the total homeless population in the nation. California also has the highest rate of unsheltered homeless: more than two-thirds of California’s homeless are living in vehicles, abandoned buildings, parks or on the street.” California Democrats have done little. “Speaking of failing badly, has anyone seen what is happening to Nancy Pelosi’s district in San Francisco. It is not even recognizable lately. Something must be done before it is too late. The Dems should stop wasting time on the Witch Hunt Hoax and start focusing on our Country,” Trump tweeted July 28.  

Speaking of failing badly, has anyone seen what is happening to Nancy Pelosi’s district in San Francisco. It is not even recognizeable lately. Something must be done before it is too late. The Dems should stop wasting time on the Witch Hunt Hoax and start focusing on our Country! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2019

 

The White House is considering creating or renovating government facilities to rehouse people. The Post added that a fact-finding team toured the Federal Aviation Administration as a potential site the week of Sept. 9.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said it is bravado for Trump’s base “with no interest in the actual policy experts’ recommendations to solve an issue.” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti added the commander-in-chief needs to send more funds to the state rather than cutting welfare. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf to the San Francisco Chronicle: “it’s always hard to tell with this president if he is trying to produce a media sound bite or actually produce policy.” 

The president’s hands are not tied as he could declare a state of emergency in California by invoking the National Emergencies Act of 1976. Breitbart News pointed out he can also invoke the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988 and override state officials. The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act gives FEMA the responsibility for coordinating government-wide relief efforts. It implements the Federal Response Plan which includes the contributions of 28 federal agencies and non-governmental organizations, such as the American Red Cross.”