President Donald Trump voiced support for reviving state-run institutions for individuals with severe mental illness, linking the proposal to broader efforts to enhance public safety in American cities.
In an interview with The Daily Caller’s Reagan Reese, Trump cited historic facilities in New York, including Creedmoor and Bellevue, noting that closures under previous administrations had released many mentally ill patients into society.
Trump framed the potential reopening as a response to public safety concerns, referencing past law enforcement successes in Washington, D.C.
“Yeah, I would,” he said when asked about the idea.
He recalled, “They released them all into society because they couldn’t afford it. You know, it’s massively expensive. But we had, they were all over New York… And I remember when they did, it was a long time ago, and I said they didn’t release these people? And they did. They released them into society, and that’s what you have. It’s a rough, it’s a rough situation.”
The remarks followed Trump’s signing of the “ENDING CRIME AND DISORDER ON AMERICA’S STREETS” Executive Order in July, which targets urban camping, loitering and squatting to restore order in major cities.
According to the White House, 274,224 individuals lived on the streets nationwide on a single night during the previous administration, many grappling with addiction, mental health challenges or both.
Highlighting the dangers posed by untreated mental illness, Trump stressed the risks to both the public and the individuals themselves.
“Because, you can’t have these people walking around… So dangerous, so dangerous. And they can live to be 85 years old,” he explained, emphasizing that residents often face violent encounters with some of the most vulnerable populations.
To address these challenges, Trump established the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force on Aug. 7, combining federal law enforcement with National Guard deployment.
By Friday, the operation had recorded 1,369 arrests, including known MS-13 members and other illegal immigrants, while clearing 50 homeless encampments and locating five missing children, according to a White House official, per RedState.
Trump highlighted the operational adjustments made to protect officers and civilians.
“I call it a crime free zone because we don’t play games… When these people – women – they’re standing up to these guys… they’re not allowed to act. If they do, they’ll be arrested,” he said, describing the rules put in place to maintain order during enforcement actions.
Reese shared personal experiences of feeling unsafe in D.C., noting that violent incidents influenced his move to Virginia.
Trump used these accounts to underscore the impact of federal interventions and suggested that similar strategies could extend to other major cities, including Chicago and New York.
The initiative has sparked attention for its dual focus: maintaining public order and providing structured care for individuals with severe mental health conditions.
Advocates argue that reopening state-run facilities could complement enforcement strategies, offering a path to both safety and treatment for those at risk.
As cities struggle with crime and homelessness, Trump’s proposals highlight a combination of law enforcement, federal intervention and mental health support aimed at protecting communities and vulnerable populations alike.
