Democrats and advocates criticize Trump's executive order on homelessness [View all]

Last edited Sat Jul 26, 2025, 05:59 AM - Edit history (1)

Source: AP

Updated 5:42 PM EDT, July 25, 2025


SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Leading Democrats and advocates for homeless people are criticizing an executive order President Donald Trump signed this week aimed at removing people from the streets, possibly by committing them for mental health or drug treatment without their consent.

Trump directed some of his Cabinet heads to prioritize funding to cities that crack down on open drug use and street camping, with the goal of making people feel safer. It’s not compassionate to do nothing, the order states.

“Shifting these individuals into long-term institutional settings for humane treatment is the most proven way to restore public order,” the order reads.

Homelessness has become a bigger problem in recent years as the cost of housing increased, especially in states such as California where there aren’t enough homes to meet demand. At the same time, drug addiction and overdoses have soared with the availability of cheap and potent fentanyl.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/trump-order-homelessness-san-francisco-de0beeb87672c8884ab56319c82da055