Trump Executive Order Reshapes Homelessness Policy Across Multiple US Cities

President Donald Trump's new executive order aims to address homelessness by prioritizing forced treatment and civil commitment for individuals living on the streets with addiction or severe mental illness, while reducing federal support for housing-first and harm reduction strategies. This directive has sparked widespread concern among advocates and city leaders in Austin, Denver, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and Oregon, who argue that the order criminalizes homelessness and undermines evidence-based approaches that provide stable housing as a foundation for recovery. The order threatens to cut federal funding to cities employing harm reduction programs, such as clean syringe initiatives, and could subject them to investigations and penalties. Critics highlight that the policy pushes for institutionalizing homeless individuals regardless of their readiness, raising ethical and practical concerns, especially given the lack of sufficient treatment facilities. Additionally, state-level changes like Oregon's recent civil commitment law complicate the order's impact, with advocates warning it may exacerbate homelessness rather than resolve it. Overall, the order reflects a controversial shift towards criminalization and institutionalization rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness through housing and supportive services.