President Donald Trump has taken decisive action to address the pressing issue of homelessness in the United States by signing an executive order aimed at empowering state and local authorities to remove homeless individuals from public spaces.
The order, titled "Ending Crime and Disorder on Americas Streets," tasks Attorney General Pam Bondi with the responsibility of overturning judicial precedents and terminating consent decrees that have previously restricted local governments' capacity to commit individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others, as outlined in a White House fact sheet.
As reported by Breitbart, the executive order includes several directives, notably the reallocation of funds to ensure that those causing public disorder or suffering from severe mental illness are transferred to treatment facilities. The White House highlights that homelessness reached unprecedented levels under President Joe Biden, with 272,224 individuals living on the streets on a single night. The administration asserts that a significant portion of this population is grappling with drug addiction or mental health issues.
The fact sheet further argues, "Federal and state governments have spent tens of billions of dollars on failed programs that address homelessness but not its root causes, leaving other citizens vulnerable to public safety threats."
It emphasizes that "shifting these individuals into long-term institutional settings for humane treatment is the most proven way to restore public order." This approach underscores a commitment to addressing the underlying causes of homelessness while prioritizing public safety and order.
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