Spencer Pratt’s Controversial Approach to Los Angeles Homelessness
In a tense interview shared online on Monday, Spencer Pratt, the reality star and current mayoral candidate for Los Angeles, laid out an eye-catching strategy for addressing the city’s homeless crisis. His plan? To transport a significant portion of the homeless population.
During his talk with an ABC7 reporter, Pratt discussed the stark reality faced by over 40,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles, an ongoing issue that has stumped city officials for years.
Pratt made a bold assertion, claiming that around 60% of the homeless population isn’t actually from Los Angeles, referencing a specific report that highlighted the situation. According to that report, about 64% of the street homeless individuals indicated they were from outside the city, and more than half said they were from outside Los Angeles County. Interestingly, nearly 40% weren’t even from California.
“People are being bussed in by scam rehab facilities, scam NGOs, scam homeless nonprofits,” Pratt stated. He added that if he were to pull funding, many would likely relocate to Seattle, where the mayor would be more welcoming to them. This sentiment seemed to be a jab at Seattle’s socialist Mayor Katie Wilson, prompting inquiries into her office for a response.
Pratt suggested that those struggling with drug addictions would be more inclined to leave if he secured the mayoral position. He emphasized a stricter approach for those committing crimes, asserting that they would face incarceration.
Interestingly, he also pointed out a troubling reality: some individuals are voluntarily homeless. “They’re not homeless. They’re drug addicts,” he claimed, arguing that ample housing and shelter are available; many choose life on the streets to avoid rules.
He went on to explain his vision of using federal land for rehabilitation centers aimed at homeless individuals struggling with addiction. He expressed optimism about replicating the rapid development seen in Washington, D.C., believing he could secure resources effectively.
When pressed about the location of these facilities, he said that he would approach the federal government to request land, suggesting they would have an incentive to support his plan ahead of the 2028 LA Olympics.
Pratt previously noted in an interview with CNN that discussions were already underway, revealing he’d met with 30 investors to explore funding options. He mentioned collaborating with top medical professionals to create a facility that would serve as a “shining beacon of hope.”
Supported by Republican allies, Pratt is among three prominent candidates competing in the upcoming primary. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass currently leads in polls, while fellow Democrat City Councilwoman Nitya Raman is also in the running for the general election.
