Fact-Check: "ENDING CRIME AND DISORDER ON AMERICA’S STREETS executive order will bring back mental asylums"
What We Know
The claim that the executive order titled "ENDING CRIME AND DISORDER ON AMERICA’S STREETS" will bring back mental asylums is partially supported by the text of the order itself. The executive order, signed by President Trump on July 24, 2025, emphasizes the need for civil commitment of individuals with serious mental health issues who are living on the streets and pose a danger to themselves or others. The order states that "shifting homeless individuals into long-term institutional settings for humane treatment through the appropriate use of civil commitment will restore public order" (White House).
The order outlines a framework for federal and state cooperation to facilitate the civil commitment of individuals with mental health conditions, which could imply a return to institutional settings akin to mental asylums. It also highlights the need for technical assistance and funding to support such initiatives (Federal Register).
Analysis
The assertion that the executive order will "bring back mental asylums" can be interpreted in multiple ways. On one hand, the order does advocate for the civil commitment of individuals with mental health issues, which historically has involved institutionalization. This aligns with the concerns raised by various advocacy groups, such as the ACLU, which criticized the order for potentially leading to forced treatment and a return to outdated practices of institutionalization (ACLU).
On the other hand, the term "mental asylums" carries a historical stigma associated with inhumane treatment and neglect. The current language of the executive order emphasizes "humane treatment" and "appropriate facilities," suggesting a shift towards more modern, compassionate care rather than a wholesale return to traditional asylums (City Journal).
The reliability of the sources varies; government documents like the executive order itself (White House, Federal Register) provide direct insight into the policy intentions, while critiques from organizations like the ACLU reflect concerns about potential abuses of the policy. Media coverage, such as that from NPR, provides context but may also introduce bias depending on the outlet's editorial stance (NPR).
Conclusion
The claim that the executive order will bring back mental asylums is Partially True. The executive order does advocate for civil commitment and the institutionalization of individuals with serious mental health issues, which can be seen as a return to practices reminiscent of mental asylums. However, the language used in the order suggests a focus on humane treatment rather than a direct revival of historical mental asylum practices. Therefore, while there is a basis for the claim, the interpretation may vary based on the context and the evolving understanding of mental health treatment.
Sources
- Ending Crime and Disorder on America's Streets
- Ending Crime and Disorder on America's Streets - Federal Register
- EXECUTIVE ORDER 14321 - Ending Crime and Disorder
- Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Takes Action to End Crime and Disorder
- Executive Order 14321—Ending Crime and Disorder on America's Streets
- Trump signs an executive order to make it easier to remove homeless encampments
- ACLU Condemns Trump Executive Order Targeting Disabled and Unhoused People
- Trump’s Mental-Health Executive Order Targets Urban Chaos