25/07/2025
On July 24, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that alters how the U.S. addresses mental health care for the homeless.
The order permits the involuntary institutionalization of individuals who are considered a danger to themselves or others, reversing laws that led to the closure of mental asylums in the 1960s.
It directs federal agencies to support states in carrying out civil commitments for those struggling with severe mental health or substance use disorders, especially among the homeless.
The administration defends this action as necessary to restore order and enhance safety in cities.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that the order will prioritize mental health and addiction treatment, aiming to remove individuals causing public disturbances from the streets.
Though the executive order is designed to tackle homelessness and safety issues, critics argue it violates the rights of individuals with mental health challenges.
Organizations like the National Homelessness Law Center caution that the policy could worsen homelessness, stressing the need to focus on underlying problems like affordable housing and healthcare access.
This order follows a 2024 Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to ban homeless camping, leading to tougher local laws across the country.
The full impact of the order remains to be seen as states begin to implement it.
