Trump’s NEW Homelessness Plan

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President Trump’s new executive order challenges existing policies on mental health and homelessness, raising concerns among civil liberties advocates.

Story Highlights

President Trump signed Executive Order 14321 to address homelessness and mental illness.
The order shifts away from “Housing First” models towards treatment-mandated housing.
Federal funding is now tied to state enforcement of camping bans.
Critics argue this could undermine civil liberties and strain mental health resources.

Executive Order 14321 Overview

On July 24, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14321 titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.” This executive order aims to address the intersection of homelessness and mental illness by expanding involuntary civil commitments for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). The order marks a significant policy shift from the “Housing First” approach to one that mandates treatment as a condition for housing.

The executive order has sparked debate among policymakers and civil liberties groups. It directs the Department of Justice to challenge judicial precedents that limit involuntary commitments. Additionally, it ties federal grants to state enforcement of public camping bans and mandates institutional care, a move seen as a reversal of deinstitutionalization policies that began in the mid-20th century.

Policy Shifts and Implications

Historically, deinstitutionalization efforts reduced the number of psychiatric beds, focusing on community-based care. However, the current policy shift aims to address the rise in homelessness, particularly among those with SMI, by encouraging institutional commitments. While proponents argue this approach enhances public safety and order, critics warn it may erode civil liberties and overburden already strained mental health facilities.

President Trump Signs HISTORIC Executive Order to Bring Back Mental Institutions and ‘Insane Asylums’ – “Hate to Build Those Suckers But You’ve Got to Get the People Off the Streets!”https://t.co/hu3vQKjL9P

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The executive order has not allocated new funding, raising concerns about how states will manage increased commitments. The policy’s reliance on existing resources could exacerbate current shortages, affecting the mental health sector’s ability to provide adequate care. The National Alliance to End Homelessness highlights the potential for bias in commitments and the risk of undermining effective community care precedents.

Federal and State Dynamics

Federal agencies are using grants to incentivize states to comply with the new mandates, often overriding local preferences for the “Housing First” model. This has created tensions, especially in states that favor community integration over institutionalization. The Trump administration’s use of the National Guard to clear encampments in Washington, D.C., exemplifies the federal government’s aggressive stance on enforcing the executive order.

The executive order’s impact will largely depend on states’ willingness and ability to implement the required changes. Critics argue that without sufficient funding, the order could lead to inadequate care for those with SMI. As implementation continues, stakeholders will need to balance public safety interests with the rights and needs of vulnerable populations.