Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Takes Action to End Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets

7/24/2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Restoring Order: President Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at restoring order on American streets by removing vagrant individuals and redirecting federal resources toward addressing substance abuse and the need for civil commitment.
Judicial and Legal Changes: The Order directs the Attorney General to reverse judicial precedents and end consent decrees that restrict state and local authorities from committing individuals considered a risk to themselves or others.
Interagency Coordination: The Attorney General will collaborate with the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Transportation to prioritize grants for enforcing prohibitions on open illicit drug use, urban camping, loitering, urban squatting, and to track the location of sex offenders.
Funding Redirection: Federal funding is redirected to move individuals causing public disorder—particularly those suffering from severe mental illness or addiction—into treatment centers, assisted outpatient treatment, or similar facilities, while ensuring that substance use disorder grants do not fund drug injection sites or illicit drug use.
Protection Measures: Measures include preventing sex offenders who receive homelessness assistance from being housed with children and allowing programs to exclusively house women and children.
Public Safety Rationale: The Order emphasizes that addressing homelessness and mental health issues through institutional settings is essential for public safety, citing record numbers of individuals on the streets during the previous administration.
Additional Initiatives: Previous actions include an Executive Order to clear homeless encampments and graffiti in Washington D.C., establishment of the National Center for Warrior Independence for homeless veterans, and a $1.8 million HUD investment to prevent homelessness among youth aging out of the foster care system.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order’s focus on redirecting federal resources to address homelessness and substance abuse could impact funding allocations for universities, including Vanderbilt, particularly if resources are diverted from educational programs to public safety initiatives.
There is a potential risk that the emphasis on civil commitment and institutional settings for individuals with mental health disorders could lead to ethical and legal challenges, especially if these measures are perceived as infringing on individual rights.
The prioritization of grants for states and municipalities enforcing prohibitions on urban camping and loitering may affect Vanderbilt’s community engagement efforts, particularly if local policies become more stringent and impact the university’s surrounding areas.
Vanderbilt may need to consider the implications of these policies on its student body, especially those involved in social work, public policy, and community health programs, as these changes could influence career opportunities and fieldwork placements.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Nursing and Department of Psychiatry may see increased demand for expertise in substance abuse treatment and mental health care, presenting opportunities for research and collaboration with federal agencies.
The Office of Community Engagement might need to adjust its strategies to support local communities affected by the enforcement of new public safety measures, ensuring continued positive relationships with Nashville’s residents.
Vanderbilt Law School could play a role in analyzing the legal implications of the Executive Order, particularly concerning civil liberties and the rights of individuals with mental health disorders.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development may need to adapt its curriculum to address the changing landscape of social services and public policy, preparing students for careers in a potentially more regulated environment.

Financial Impact

The reallocation of federal funds towards public safety and homelessness initiatives could impact the availability of grants and funding for educational and research programs at Vanderbilt, necessitating adjustments in funding strategies.
Vanderbilt may experience changes in its community partnerships and funding opportunities, particularly if local government policies align with the federal focus on public safety and order.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research in public health, mental health, and social policy, particularly through collaborations with the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies.
The university might need to consider the potential impact on its student population, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, as changes in public policy could affect their access to resources and support services.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential ethical considerations for the university.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Department of Medicine, Health, and Society should explore research opportunities related to substance abuse and mental health treatment. By aligning with federal priorities on addressing these issues, the department can secure grants and contribute to policy development.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor changes in grant allocations for programs addressing homelessness and public safety. This will help Vanderbilt identify potential funding opportunities and adapt its community outreach initiatives accordingly.
Vanderbilt’s School of Nursing could develop programs focused on training healthcare professionals in treating substance use disorders and mental health issues, aligning with the executive order’s emphasis on treatment and recovery.
The Vanderbilt Law School should analyze the legal implications of reversing judicial precedents and ending consent decrees related to civil commitment. This analysis can inform advocacy efforts and legal education programs.
Vanderbilt’s Center for Child and Family Policy should investigate the impact of housing policies on vulnerable populations, such as women and children, to provide evidence-based recommendations for policy improvements.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Peabody College to engage in research on the effectiveness of long-term institutional settings for treating homelessness and related issues. This research can influence national policy and enhance the college’s reputation in social policy research.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on public safety by developing interdisciplinary programs that address the root causes of homelessness, such as substance abuse and mental health disorders, fostering collaboration between different departments.
The emphasis on preventing homelessness among young Americans aging out of the foster care system aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to social justice. The university can develop targeted support programs and partnerships to assist this population.
By hosting conferences and public forums on the implications of the executive order, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on homelessness and public safety, attracting scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to collaborate on innovative solutions.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to funding impacts and policy shifts.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.2

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – The directives in the Executive Order do not specify any explicit deadlines or implementation periods.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Justice – Attorney General: Tasked with reversing judicial precedents and ending consent decrees that restrict state and local actions regarding civil commitment of individuals on the streets.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Required to work with the Attorney General on prioritizing grants for programs that address substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health issues.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Involved in both the prioritization of federal grants for enforcement against illicit urban behaviors and the implementation of initiatives to prevent unsafe housing situations, especially concerning vulnerable populations.
Department of Transportation: Collaborates with the Attorney General and other agencies to direct grants and enforce regulations aimed at curbing public disorder in urban settings.
National Park Service (NPS): Directed to clear homeless encampments and graffiti on Federal lands in Washington D.C., as outlined in a related executive action.
National Center for Warrior Independence: Established as a new government entity under this and related executive orders to provide homeless veterans with care, benefits, and services.

Relevance Score: 3 (Six federal agencies are impacted by the executive order.)

Responsible Officials

Attorney General – Directed to reverse judicial precedents, end consent decrees, and coordinate with other agencies on enforcement measures.
Secretary of Health and Human Services – Tasked with partnering with the Attorney General to prioritize grants focused on substance abuse programs and related public health initiatives.
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development – Responsible for collaborating with the Attorney General to prioritize grants that enforce prohibitions against illicit urban activities and adjust housing assistance programs.
Secretary of Transportation – Required to work with the Attorney General to support directives that address urban disorder through transportation-related measures.
National Park Service – Directed in a related Executive Order to clear homeless encampments and graffiti on Federal lands in Washington D.C.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directs Cabinet-level officials and agency heads, indicating significant impacts on top executive and federal agency leadership.)