Amid record-high U.S. homelessness, President Trump on Thursday signed an executive order aimed at shifting federal homelessness policy. The order encourages civil commitment for individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others and prioritizes funding for cities that enforce bans on drug use, loitering, squatting, and encampments.
The action fulfills a campaign pledge. “We want to take care of them, but they have to be off our streets,” Trump said in a 2023 video.
Supporters argue urgent action is warranted. “When a problem gets as big as it has ever gotten… You get to change the reigning policy,” said Stephen Eide of the Manhattan Institute.
Opponents warn of unintended consequences. Jesse Rabinowitz of the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty said the order lacks clarity and risks widespread forced institutionalization. “It doesn’t define who diagnoses mental illness. Is it a trained social worker or a police officer?” he asked.
The order follows a Supreme Court ruling that allows cities to criminalize public sleeping, thereby reinforcing local authority in homelessness enforcement.
Sources:
Scripps News
HUD
Truth Social – Trump Post
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