Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration has decided to end federal funding for a suicide prevention hotline dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth, sparking widespread concern among mental health and civil rights advocates. The hotline, operated by The Trevor Project, has served more than 1.3 million young people since its launch in 2022.
White House Redirects Support to General 988 Lifeline
According to the White House Office of Management and Budget, funding will instead continue for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a broader service accessible to all individuals in crisis. The administration allocated $520 million to the 988 system, matching the amount from the Biden administration.
However, the decision not to renew funding for the Trevor Project’s LGBTQ-specific service is rooted in ideological concerns. A White House spokesperson stated that taxpayer dollars would not support platforms “encouraging radical gender ideology” without parental knowledge or consent.
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Trevor Project CEO Calls Move “Devastating”
Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, expressed deep disappointment, confirming that the organization received official notice to shut down its LGBTQ+ suicide prevention lifeline within 30 days.
“I am devastated and heartbroken. The administration is eliminating a critical, life-saving resource that was part of this nation’s public health infrastructure,” Black said in a statement on Instagram.
He added that the decision reflects a broader abandonment of LGBTQ+ youth, stating that the country “has failed our LGBTQ+ young people.”
Executive Orders Continue to Roll Back LGBTQ+ Rights
Since returning to office in January, President Trump has signed multiple executive orders limiting transgender rights and dismantling DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives. While the administration claims these actions promote fairness and protect traditional values, critics argue they increase the vulnerability of already marginalized communities.
Conclusion: A Controversial Shift in Mental Health and LGBTQ+ Support
The end of federal support for the Trevor Project’s suicide prevention hotline represents a significant shift in national mental health policy under the Trump administration. While the government maintains its commitment to the broader 988 lifeline, advocates stress the importance of specialized services tailored to LGBTQ+ youth, who statistically face higher rates of depression, bullying, and suicide.
Mental health experts and LGBTQ+ organizations warn that this move may leave thousands of vulnerable young people without critical, life-saving support at a time when they need it most.