The focus on the challenges posed by homelessness is, unsurprisingly, a frequent topic of discussion. Recently, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on July 24th, titled “Ending crime and obstacles on the streets of America,” aimed at addressing public safety concerns. The order specifically addresses issues such as “vagrancy,” disorderly conduct, drug abuse, violence, urban encampments, and the treatment of individuals facing severe mental health challenges.
The executive order mentions efforts to transition homeless individuals into long-term care facilities, suggesting that this would restore some level of civility among public services.
Anyone who roamed the city met people who were mentally ill, drunk, stoned, violent, and threatened those around them. Putting them to sleep on the streets is not a humanitarian policy. This is a good thing. https://t.co/xvoix3mdbb pic.twitter.com/dnhwj5rnzd
– Byronyork (@byronyork) July 25th, 2025
The order also instructs the Attorney General to seek the reversal of federal or state barriers that impede the civil commitment of mentally ill individuals who may pose a risk to themselves or others. States that adhere to these directives could become eligible for financial assistance, including federal grants.
Historically, long-term care facilities were a common approach for addressing mental health issues, with nearly every state having at least one publicly funded mental hospital by the 1890s. However, a significant reduction in such institutions has occurred over the years. In 1956, the U.S. had over half a million psychiatric hospital beds, but that number dwindled to about 37,600 by 2016.
This reduction has often been attributed to the “de-institutionalization” movement, which aimed to address issues like institutional abuse and high costs. As a result, the burden of care for individuals with mental health challenges often shifted to families and, ultimately, to taxpayers.
The reality depicted by California’s District Attorney captures this shift: people find themselves committing minor crimes just to access basic necessities like food, shelter, and occasional treatment. This cycle often leads to a repetitive pattern of arrest and release.
Interestingly, the discourse surrounding criminal justice reform has seen an evolution. Former President Barack Obama expressed concerns about racial profiling and the treatment of poverty during his administration. Fast forward to today, and many major cities are grappling with the consequences of a more lenient approach to crime.
Amen.
It is cruel to suffer and die on the streets for a person with a mental disorder.
Cruel to them.
Cruel to the people around me.
Trump’s orders are clear:
Americans don’t need to live this way.
*
Trump Order promotes forced hospitalization of homeless people https://t.co/tcrroydef7– 🇺🇸 Mike Davis🇺🇸 (@mrddmia) July 25th, 2025
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has faced criticism for its handling of drug-related issues, particularly the fentanyl crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. Some Democratic leaders, like New York City Mayor Eric Adams, have advocated for safe injection sites while simultaneously pushing for more restrictions on marijuana use in public spaces.
Trump’s executive order lays out a comprehensive action plan, ensuring that federal grants to states will be contingent on enforcing these new directives. Furthermore, it mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services assess discretionary grants given to programs that support drug use without addressing the underlying issues.
There’s a reevaluation of priorities within homeless support programs, focusing on higher standards for funding, especially when it comes to programs that facilitate drug use. The “housing first” approach, which prioritizes rapid housing for the homeless, is also on the table for reassessment. This method does not factor in an individual’s past behaviors like substance abuse, but it does raise questions about effectiveness.
Overall, Trump’s approach appears to have adapted since his first term, navigating the complex landscape of funding and public opinion towards homelessness and mental health.
