Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Homelessness Policy Overhaul

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order aimed at reshaping the federal government’s approach to homelessness, emphasizing stricter enforcement and treatment measures over housing-first policies.

Signed on Thursday, July 24, the order encourages cities and states to more easily remove homeless encampments and direct individuals into addiction or mental health treatment—including involuntary civil commitment for those deemed a danger to themselves or others.

The directive marks a shift from existing federal strategies, moving funding away from housing-first initiatives toward programs that require sobriety and treatment compliance. The order also favors jurisdictions that enforce camping bans and crack down on illicit drug use, loitering, and squatting.

Key federal departments—Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Transportation—are tasked with reviewing their grant programs and prioritizing support for cities enforcing these policies.

Critics argue the order criminalizes homelessness and mental illness. Jesse Rabinowitz of the National Homelessness Law Center said the move pits effective, compassionate policies against punitive approaches.

Ann Oliva of the National Alliance to End Homelessness added that institutionalizing homeless individuals with mental illness is neither safe nor supported by evidence.

Additionally, the order instructs the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to withdraw funding from programs that use “harm reduction” strategies—potentially jeopardizing efforts to prevent overdoses from drugs like fentanyl.

This policy follows a recent Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to penalize individuals for sleeping in public spaces, even if no alternative housing is available. Since that decision, over 100 cities in more than 24 states have introduced or strengthened anti-camping laws.