Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Jul 31: In a sharp shift from previous US policy, President Donald Trump has issued a controversial order targeting homelessness with tougher enforcement and a rollback of the widely endorsed "housing first" model.

Frustrated by encampments near the White House and public spaces nationwide, Trump on July 24 directed that federal funds be tied to cities taking a law-and-order approach — including involuntary detention of homeless individuals with mental health or drug issues.

“Surrendering our cities and citizens to disorder and fear is neither compassionate to the homeless nor other citizens,” Trump stated, blaming previous efforts for wasting billions without solving core issues.

Critics, however, have sounded alarm over the order's lack of new funding and its punitive approach. “This is literally a formula to worsen homelessness,” warned Dr. Margot Kushel, a physician and homelessness researcher at UCSF.

Under Trump’s directive, communities that refuse to expand involuntary commitment programs risk losing federal support. The order also mandates new data tracking of individuals receiving services.

Supporters say the move, backed by a recent Supreme Court ruling, will help police address public safety risks from encampments. But mental health experts and advocates argue that without affordable housing and supportive services, criminalizing poverty will deepen the crisis.

The annual homelessness assessment in January recorded about 770,000 people without stable housing — a number experts fear could rise under the new policy.

“There’s no funding or mechanisms in place to make this executive order happen,” said Heidi Eastman of Colorado’s WellPower. “It’s going to overload the system and demand expensive services many don’t need.”

Trump, who issued the order just before departing for Scotland, made clear he’s prioritizing visible urban order — even at the risk of humanitarian fallout. “When leaders come to make trade deals and see tents outside the White House — you can’t have that,” he remarked.