Trump order shifts homelessness strategy toward enforcement
Share this @internewscast.com


() President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that directs cities and states to take whatever action is necessary to get homeless people off the streets and into treatment centers.

Homelessness has long been a major issue in the United States. Trump’s order gives cities more power to institutionalize people for sleeping in public spaces. It also blocks funding for supervised drug-use sites and allows shelters to prioritize women and children.

Cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle and Fort Lauderdale have already taken steps to restrict homelessness. Trump’s order aims to strengthen those efforts by providing more federal support to cities that have already begun cracking down.

“Shifting homeless individuals into long-term institutional settings for humane treatment through the appropriate use of civil commitment will restore public order. Surrendering our cities and citizens to disorder and fear is neither compassionate to the homeless nor other citizens,” the order states.

The order follows a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that allows cities to arrest and fine people for sleeping outdoors.

A growing problem in the U.S.

Levels of homelessness have been on the rise in recent years. On a single night in 2024, over 700,000 people were homeless, an 18% jump from 2023. Of those people, over a third were living on the street, in encampments or vehicles, according to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.

The Trump administration also raised concerns about widespread drug use and mental health issues among unhoused people.

“Nearly two-thirds of homeless individuals report having regularly used hard drugs like methamphetamines, cocaine, or opioids in their lifetimes,” the order states.

In March, Trump signed an executive order directing the National Park Service to clear homeless encampments and clean up litter on federal land in Washington, D.C.

“We can’t have it when leaders come to see me to make a trade deal for billions and billions and even trillions of dollars, and they come in and there’s tents outside of the White House, we can’t have that. It doesn’t sound nice,” Trump told a reporter on the White House lawn Friday.

Order faces backlash from advocates

Critics argue the order could do more harm than good.

Advocates for people experiencing homelessness argue that forcing people into treatment centers violates their rights, is unethical and largely ineffective.

“These executive orders ignore decades of evidence-based housing and support services in practice. They represent a punitive approach that has consistently failed to resolve homelessness and instead exacerbates the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals,” Donald Whitehead, Jr., executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, said in a statement.

Critics also warn that forcing homeless people into treatment centers could be a violation of due process rights under the 14th Amendment, according to Axios.

Solving the housing crisis could be the solution

Some believe the solution lies in tackling the housing crisis head-on.

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, no U.S. state has enough affordable housing for renters with the lowest incomes.

“The U.S. has a shortage of 7.1 million rental homes affordable and available to renters with extremely low incomes,” it said.

Trump staying true to his word

“We will use every tool, lever, and authority to get the homeless off our streets. We want to take care of them, but they have to be off our streets,” Trump said in 2023.

This executive order marks a continuation of that campaign promise.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Prosecutors Seek Over 11-Year Prison Sentence for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

NEW YORK (AP) — Key witnesses against Sean “Diddy” Combs, including his…

Smugglers Abandon Migrant Stranded on Border Wall

EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) — Border agents say smugglers abandoned a…

Home Goods Opens in Statesboro Amid Ongoing Growth

STATESBORO, Ga. () — Statesboro and Bulloch County continue to see growth,…

Two Additional Suspects Charged in 2024 Murder of 14-Year-Old in Plant City

Video above: Homicide investigation underway after 14-year-old with ‘upper body trauma’ dies…

Liberty County Football Kicks Off Season with 5-1 Record

HINESVILLE, Ga. () — The Liberty County Football team is enjoying a…

Investigations Underway for Two Separate Attacks on Corrections Officers at Wallens Ridge Facilities

The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) is currently investigating two separate incidents…

Hawks Taken During L.A. Rams NFL Game

IE 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please visit our…

Early Polls Indicate Trump and GOP Receive More Blame Than Democrats for Shutdown

WASHINGTON — The U.S. government is shut down, and Americans are more…

Investigation into Hunter S. Thompson’s Death

Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported. For the best experience, please…

BVPD: Suspect Cuts Bristol, Va. Police Officer’s Hand

BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — A man was arrested after allegedly slicing an…

Israeli Forces Stop Aid Flotilla Heading to Gaza

Internet Explorer 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please visit…

Missouri Mother Allegedly Kills 16-Year-Old Son While He Slept: Police Report

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – A St. Charles woman is in custody for…