Donald Trump‘s administration has reportedly announced upcoming plans to end the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth program. This service, once considered a beacon for kids facing bullying or family rejection, faces the axe amid budget talks. As non-profit organizations focused on LGBTQ+ advocates react to the decision, a debate has since erupted over universal care versus tailored support for vulnerable youth.
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The Donald Trump Administration Made A Big Decision Amid Reported Budget Cuts
The administration’s health agency, SAMHSA, announced on Tuesday, June 17, that it is ending its 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth program. The official end date has been set for July 17.
Since its launch in 2022, this service has provided support to queer individuals under the age of 25. It particularly assisted those struggling with any personal hardships they may be facing. These include family issues, overcoming bullying, or battling with mental health struggles.
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SAMHSA’s own numbers claim the hotline has handled over 1.3 million calls, texts, and chats from LGBTQ+ youth, with about 2,100 people reaching out to its service on a daily basis back in February.
However, the administration now says it’s about ensuring everyone receives help while reducing financial costs. In its statement, the agency removed the “T” in LGBTQ+ when announcing the change. Anyone dialing 988 will connect with culturally aware counselors, officials noted.
“Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors who can help with suicidal, substance misuse, or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. Anyone who calls the Lifeline will continue to receive compassion and help,” the SAMHSA website states.
Here’s What Sparked The Change
The change has since sparked criticism from non-profit organizations such as The Trevor Project, which deemed the decision “devastating” in a statement.
TTP, which has been a significant part of running the hotline, added that the youth program has been a lifeline for teens in danger across the U.S. They argue that there is no chance that general support can match the tailored help young people need concerning their LGBTQ+ concerns and issues.
The hotline originated from a bipartisan law that Trump signed in 2020 during his first term. At the time, The Trevor Project reported that LGBTQ+ youth, four times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than other teens, required additional support.
However, in April, eyebrows were raised after a draft of the 2026 budget proposal was leaked online, according to The Washington Post. The document reportedly derived from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It suggested axing the program to cut health spending. And while that was initially deemed nothing but a rumor, the announcement confirms the move was in the works all along.
Where Should The LGBTQ+ Youth Turn Now?
And with fears that counselors without specific training might not know how to handle stuff like transphobia, The Trevor Project says it’s stepping up to the plate.
The company has promised its own 24/7 crisis line (1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678), which will continue to operate after the upcoming change, and they’re encouraging young people to reach out regardless of the situation.
