Trump to Launch New Initiative Addressing Drug Addiction
Executive Order to Coordinate Federal Response
President Trump will sign an executive order on Thursday to enhance the federal government’s approach to drug addiction and substance abuse. This initiative, dubbed the “White House Great American Recovery Initiative,” aims to increase awareness of drug-related issues and facilitate federal support for addiction recovery through grants.
Leadership of the Initiative
The initiative will be co-chaired by Health and Human Servstarts Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. alongside Kathryn Burgum, an advocate for addiction recovery who has been sober for 22 years after her own struggles with alcoholism. Burgum, married to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, will participate in the announcement event later today, as confirmed by a White House official.
Focus on Integration of Programs
The Great American Recovery Initiative will guide federal agencies on integrating programs for drug prevention, early intervention, treatment, recovery support, and re-entry. This approach seeks to create a comprehensive system that addresses the multifaceted challenges related to substance abuse.
Funding and Recent Administrative Changes
The federal funding for drug recovery initiatives is primarily allocated through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Servstarts Administration (SAMHSA). Notably, earlier this month, the Trump administration reversed its decision to cut approximately $2 billion from mental health and addiction treatment programs overseen by SAMHSA.
According to the latest SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 74% of adults who identified issues with drugs or alcohol reported being in recovery or having recovered. However, the White House emphasizes a troubling statistic: among the 40.7 million adults with a substance use disorder in 2024 who did not seek treatment, 95.6% did not recognize their need for help.
Ongoing Efforts Against Drug Trafficking
This initiative comes on the heels of a concerted campaign by the White House targeting alleged drug traffickers operating in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific regions. The administration aims to bolster its efforts in combating the drug crisis facing the nation.
Jennifer Jacobs contributed to this report.