Former President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order targeting homelessness in U.S. cities. The order aims to make it easier for local governments to move homeless people off the streets and into treatment facilities.
Signed on Thursday (July 24), the order urges the Justice Department to undo court rulings and agreements that prevent forced relocation or civil commitment of people with mental illness.
What the Order Says
The executive order pushes for:
- Ending certain federal and state legal protections
- Allowing cities to place homeless people in long-term institutions
- Using civil commitment laws for those with mental illness who can’t care for themselves
“Moving homeless individuals into institutions is a humane response,” the order claims. “Letting cities fall into chaos is not compassionate for anyone.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the order fulfills Trump’s goal to “Make America Safe Again.” She said it will redirect resources to addiction programs and help restore safety in cities.
“The administration is acting to remove dangerous individuals from public spaces while also offering help to those who need it most,” Leavitt told USA TODAY.
Legal Experts and Advocates Push Back
Not everyone agrees. The National Homelessness Law Center (NHLC) called the move “dangerous” and harmful.
In a strong statement, NHLC warned that:
- The order threatens basic civil rights
- It doesn’t address the root causes of homelessness, like housing costs
- Forced treatment is both illegal and ineffective
“Housing and healthcare, not punishment, are what people need,” the statement read. “This policy will only increase homelessness, waste taxpayer dollars, and block real solutions.”
The order comes just weeks after the Supreme Court ruled that cities can ban sleeping in public spaces. That decision was already controversial and Trump’s new order has added fuel to the fire.
Online platforms quickly filled with criticism. Many users expressed concern about criminalizing poverty and hiding the homeless from view instead of helping them.
On Reddit, one commenter wrote: “This is the Republican way, lock people up instead of solving real problems.”
Trump’s homelessness order is a bold and controversial step. Supporters say it restores order. Critics warn it strips rights and avoids real solutions. As cities struggle with growing homelessness, the debate is only getting louder.