The Trump Era: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Drugs Policies

March 4, 2025

Assessing the impact of Trump's drug policies - from opioids to border control, delve into the effectiveness of his approach.

Trump's Drug Policies Overview

During the Trump administration, a comprehensive approach to drug control policy was implemented, with the aim of reducing substance use and addressing public safety and public health concerns. This approach included the development of the National Drug Control Strategy and a response to the opioid crisis.

National Drug Control Strategy

The National Drug Control Strategy developed under the Trump administration focused on various substances, including opioids, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamines. The strategy aimed to strike a balance between public safety and public health concerns. It encompassed prevention efforts, evidence-based treatment, and reducing the availability of illicit drugs in the United States.

Response to Opioid Crisis

The opioid crisis was a major concern during the Trump administration. In response, President Trump declared a public health emergency on October 26, 2017, directing the Department of Health and Human Services to mobilize resources and expand access to treatment and recovery services. This declaration aimed to address the devastating impact of opioid addiction on individuals, families, and communities across the nation.

The response to the opioid crisis included efforts to increase awareness, educate healthcare professionals, and expand access to evidence-based treatment options. It also focused on reducing the availability of illicit opioids and improving the coordination of law enforcement efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

The Trump administration's approach to the opioid crisis recognized the need for a comprehensive strategy that combines prevention, treatment, recovery support, and law enforcement efforts to effectively address the complex nature of this public health crisis.

The National Drug Control Strategy and the response to the opioid crisis were key components of the Trump administration's efforts to combat substance abuse and promote public health and safety. These policies aimed to reduce the number of Americans using opioids, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamines, and other psychoactive substances, while providing evidence-based treatment and recovery support for those with substance use disorders [2].

Focus on Substance Categories

Under the Trump administration, drug policies focused on various substances, including opioids, cocaine, methamphetamines, and marijuana. The approach aimed to strike a balance between public safety and public health concerns. Let's take a closer look at each of these substance categories.

Opioids

The opioid crisis was a significant concern during the Trump era. The administration implemented policies to expand access to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment services, particularly through opioid treatment programs (OTPs). This was achieved through the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act, signed into law in October 2018. The act mandated the expansion of Medicare Part B benefits to cover OUD treatment services, providing individuals with better access to evidence-based treatment options.

Cocaine and Methamphetamines

In addition to focusing on opioids, the Trump administration also addressed the challenges posed by cocaine and methamphetamines. Stricter penalties for drug offenses were implemented, specifically targeting individuals involved in trafficking and distribution. The aim was to deter individuals from engaging in drug-related activities and disrupt the drug supply chain. By imposing harsher sentences, the administration sought to send a strong message against drug-related crimes [4].

Marijuana Policies

The Trump administration's drug policies also encompassed marijuana. While some states had legalized the recreational or medicinal use of marijuana, it remained classified as a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level. The administration maintained a stance against the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes, but allowed states to determine their own policies within certain boundaries. This approach allowed for variations in marijuana legislation across different states.

The focus on these substance categories aimed to address the challenges posed by opioids, cocaine, methamphetamines, and marijuana. By implementing policies that balanced public safety and public health concerns, the Trump administration sought to combat drug addiction and its associated consequences.

Addressing Treatment Gaps

One of the key areas of concern when evaluating the effectiveness of Trump's drug policies is the treatment gap that exists in addressing substance use disorders. Despite efforts made by the administration, criticisms have emerged regarding limited access to services, proposed budget cuts, and insufficient funding in addressing drug control policies.

Access to Services

Access to effective treatment services is crucial in combating addiction. In 2018, only 11% of the estimated 21.3 million Americans with substance use disorder received treatment at a specialized facility, highlighting a significant treatment gap. Limited access to services can be attributed to various factors, including the lack of available treatment centers, long waiting lists, and prevailing attitudes about addiction.

Expanding access to treatment services requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes increasing the number of treatment facilities, particularly in underserved areas, and improving the coordination between healthcare providers, insurers, and community organizations. Additionally, efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and promote awareness about available treatment options are crucial in encouraging individuals to seek help.

Budget Allocation Concerns

Budget allocation is another area of concern when evaluating the effectiveness of drug control policies. Adequate funding is essential to support prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives. However, proposed budget cuts and insufficient funding have raised questions about the sustainability and impact of these policies [1].

While the Trump administration took steps to address the opioid crisis, including increased funding for the epidemic, the results have been mixed. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a decline in the rate of overdose deaths from prescription opioids for the first time in almost 30 years. However, the pandemic coincided with a substantial increase in fatal drug overdoses, highlighting the ongoing challenges in effectively allocating resources to combat addiction.

To effectively address treatment gaps, it is crucial to prioritize adequate funding for prevention, treatment, and recovery services. A comprehensive approach that involves collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies, as well as public-private partnerships, can help ensure that resources are allocated appropriately to meet the needs of individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders.

Addressing treatment gaps requires ongoing evaluation and adjustments to drug policies to ensure that individuals struggling with addiction have access to the services they need. By focusing on increasing access to services and allocating sufficient funding, policymakers can work towards bridging the treatment gap and improving the effectiveness of drug control policies.

Interdiction and Border Control

In the realm of drug policies, interdiction and border control play a crucial role in preventing the entry of illicit substances into the United States. During the Trump administration, efforts were made to strengthen these measures as part of the broader strategy to combat drug-related issues.

Preventing Drug Entry

Preventing the entry of drugs into the United States was a primary focus of the Trump administration's drug policies. The National Drug Control Strategy, developed under the administration, aimed to prevent the production of drugs abroad and reduce their availability within the country. By focusing on decreasing the supply of illicit drugs, the goal was to disrupt the drug trade and limit the accessibility of these substances.

National Interdiction Plan

To further strengthen interdiction efforts, the Trump administration released the National Interdiction Command and Control Plan. This plan outlined a comprehensive strategy to reduce the availability of illicit drugs in the United States, working in conjunction with the National Drug Control Strategy. The National Interdiction Plan served as a roadmap to coordinate and enhance interagency efforts to intercept drugs and prevent their distribution.

Efforts to combat drug trafficking were not limited to the United States' borders alone. The Trump administration recognized the need for a multi-faceted approach to address drug smuggling and distribution. As a result, three counternarcotics strategies were released, specifically targeting the Southwest border, the Northern border, and the Caribbean border. These strategies aimed to disrupt drug trafficking routes and reduce the availability of illicit drugs.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of these interdiction and border control measures is subject to ongoing evaluation and scrutiny. Critics argue that while interdiction efforts are crucial, they must be accompanied by comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of drug use and focus on treatment and prevention. The effectiveness of interdiction efforts in reducing the availability of drugs and their impact on overall drug control policies remains a topic of discussion.

The Trump administration's focus on interdiction and border control reflects the importance placed on preventing the entry of illicit drugs into the United States. By implementing strategies outlined in the National Interdiction Command and Control Plan and counternarcotics strategies, efforts were made to disrupt the drug trade and reduce the availability of illicit substances. However, ongoing evaluation and a comprehensive approach are necessary to address the complexities of drug-related issues effectively.

Counternarcotics Strategies

To combat the flow of illicit drugs into the United States, the Trump Administration implemented several counternarcotics strategies, focusing on different regions and borders. These strategies aimed to reduce the availability of drugs and disrupt drug trafficking networks. Let's delve into the counternarcotics strategies implemented along the Southwest border, the Northern border, and the Caribbean border.

Southwest Border

The Administration's counternarcotics strategy for the Southwest border aimed to address the significant drug flow from Mexico into the United States. The strategy focused on enhancing border security measures and increasing collaboration with Mexican authorities to combat drug trafficking activities. By bolstering border surveillance and employing advanced technologies, such as drones and detection systems, efforts were made to intercept drugs and prevent their entry into the country.

Northern Border

In addition to the Southwest border, the Trump Administration also implemented counternarcotics strategies along the Northern border. This strategy focused on addressing the flow of drugs from Canada into the United States. By strengthening cooperation with Canadian law enforcement agencies, increasing intelligence sharing, and enhancing border security measures, efforts were made to disrupt drug trafficking networks operating across the Northern border. The goal was to intercept drugs and prevent their entry into the country.

Caribbean Border Efforts

The counternarcotics strategy for the Caribbean border aimed to combat the flow of drugs from the Caribbean region into the United States. The Administration recognized the significance of the maritime routes used by drug traffickers to transport illicit drugs. As part of the strategy, efforts were made to enhance maritime security, increase interagency cooperation, and collaborate with regional partners to disrupt drug trafficking activities. By targeting drug smuggling vessels and improving intelligence sharing, the goal was to prevent drugs from reaching the shores of the United States.

The counternarcotics strategies implemented by the Trump Administration along the Southwest border, Northern border, and Caribbean border were aimed at reducing the availability of illicit drugs and disrupting drug trafficking networks. These efforts involved strengthening border security measures, enhancing collaboration with regional partners, and employing advanced technologies to intercept drugs and prevent their entry into the United States. By targeting the different regions and borders, the Administration aimed to address the unique challenges posed by drug trafficking activities in each area.

Criticisms and Effectiveness

Treatment Gap Criticisms

Despite efforts made by the Trump administration, there were criticisms regarding the treatment gap, limited access to services, proposed budget cuts, and insufficient funding in addressing drug control policies. In 2018, only 11% of the estimated 21.3 million Americans with substance use disorder received treatment at a specialized facility, highlighting a significant treatment gap due to lack of access to effective services and prevailing attitudes about addiction.

The treatment gap criticisms stemmed from the challenges individuals faced in accessing the necessary treatment and support for their substance use disorder. Limited availability of treatment facilities, high costs, and stigmatization of addiction were among the barriers preventing people from seeking and receiving the help they needed. Despite efforts to address the treatment gap, such as increased funding for the epidemic, the persistence of the gap indicates the need for more comprehensive approaches to ensure individuals have access to effective treatment options.

Impact on Drug Control Policies

While the Trump administration took steps to address the drug crisis, studies published by the CDC showed that overdose deaths continued to rise during his tenure, particularly due to synthetic opioids, cocaine, and psychostimulants, highlighting the persistence of the drug crisis and the need for comprehensive strategies to combat it. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the opioid crisis was a top public health focus for the administration. Efforts such as declaring a public health emergency and increasing funding for the epidemic had mixed results. Drug overdose deaths fell slightly in 2018, but there was a substantial increase coinciding with the Covid-19 pandemic [5].

Apart from the opioid crisis, the Trump administration also aimed to reduce drug prices. However, few measures took effect or made a significant impact. Some initiatives, such as tying Medicare's reimbursement of certain drugs to their cost in other countries and requiring drug makers to include list prices in television ads, were blocked by courts. These challenges highlight the complexity of addressing drug control policies and the need for comprehensive and sustainable approaches.

In evaluating the effectiveness of Trump's drug policies, it is important to consider the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding addiction treatment, prevention, and control. While efforts were made to address the drug crisis, criticisms regarding the treatment gap and limited impact on drug control policies emphasize the need for continued evaluation and improvement in combating substance abuse in the United States.