In Defense of Rampant Homelessness

Maybe it was callousness that inspired it. Perhaps demonic cruelty suffices for a motive. Whatever the rationale, Donald Trump’s latest executive order takes dead aim at one of American society’s most vulnerable populations — the involuntarily unhoused — revictimizing the already beleaguered and helpless.

“Endemic vagrancy, disorderly behavior, sudden confrontations, and violent attacks have made our cities unsafe,” the president’s executive order supposedly aimed at “ending crime and disorder on America’s streets” reads. The contemptable document makes a variety of observations that a more enlightened society would discourage anyone from saying out loud.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

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Maybe it was callousness that inspired it. Perhaps demonic cruelty suffices for a motive. Whatever the rationale, Donald Trump’s latest executive order takes dead aim at one of American society’s most vulnerable populations — the involuntarily unhoused — revictimizing the already beleaguered and helpless.

“Endemic vagrancy, disorderly behavior, sudden confrontations, and violent attacks have made our cities unsafe,” the president’s executive order supposedly aimed at “ending crime and disorder on America’s streets” reads. The contemptable document makes a variety of observations that a more enlightened society would discourage anyone from saying out loud.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.