Democrat Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass blamed the city’s increasing homelessness on President Donald Trump ahead of an annual homeless count expected to be released Friday.

Bass cited cuts to federal and state funding as impacting the city’s progress on combating homelessness in a July 23 statement shared with FOX 11 reporter Matthew Seedorff. “The Trump Administration has driven up the cost of gas, groceries, and rent — pushing more families to the edge — and slashed critical safety net funding,” Bass said, according to the statement shared by Seedorff on X.

“And last year’s state cut of over $70 million severely impacted our work to keep people housed and get more Angelenos off the streets.”

“The lack of adequate services continues to be a real problem and a contributing factor to people cycling in and out of homelessness, and these services are controlled by LA County,” Bass continued.

Despite cuts to federal and state funding, Bass said the City of Los Angeles has reduced homelessness by 13% since 2023, according to the same statement.

Bass’ comments precede the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)’s annual homeless count. Ahead of the official data, the number of people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles is expected to increase 3.4% from last year, according to the Los Angeles Times.

In 2025, LAHSA’s annual homeless count indicated a total of 72,308 homeless persons in Los Angeles County, and a total of 43,699 homeless persons located specifically in the City of Los Angeles.

Similarly, LAHSA data from 2024 showed a total of 75,312 homeless persons in Los Angeles County, and 45,252 homeless persons in the City of Los Angeles. (RELATED: Homeless People On Skid Row Allegedly Bribed To Vote In LA Mayoral Race)

Los Angeles residents reacted to the expected increase in homelessness numbers, according to FOX 11.

“I don’t listen to numbers. My eyes are better than numbers,” one resident, not identified, said to FOX 11.

Another resident, also unidentified, expressed a different sentiment, saying that challenges remain despite some improvements.

“I see a lot going on within the streets that has helped people get inside,” that resident explained to FOX 11.

Bass said she was “concerned” that Los Angeles’ homeless numbers for 2026 would increase following the state and federal cuts, according to FOX 11.

The Daily Caller contacted LAHSA, which did not immediately comment.

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