Trump Signs Order Targeting Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health
President Trump signed an executive order Thursday urging states to end widespread vagrancy by moving homeless people, including addicts and those with mental illness, into long-term treatment centers. The order redirects federal funds to support institutional rehousing through civil commitment. It cites that over 274,000 people slept on the streets nightly last year under President Biden.
The New York Post notes most of the homeless population struggles with addiction and/or mental illness. Trump criticized past homelessness programs as ineffective and has long proposed reopening asylums for the most dangerous individuals. It’s unclear how much funding will be allocated or if shuttered institutions will reopen.
White House Swaps Obama Portrait with Trump’s Post-Assassination Image
After Trump survived an assassination attempt in July 2024, the White House replaced Barack Obama’s portrait with a painting of Trump raising his fist after being grazed by a bullet. CNN reported the change breaks tradition, as the two most recent presidential portraits are typically displayed. Obama’s portrait was moved, while George W. Bush’s was relocated next to his father’s.
Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over Funding Cuts
Harvard is suing the Trump administration for cutting $2.2 billion in funding, accusing it of punishing the university for defending its constitutional rights. Trump demanded the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies—terms that companies like Meta and Google accepted. Harvard refused, claiming federal overreach and warning the cut jeopardizes medical research and academic independence.