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Snapshot 4:Thu, Jul 17, 2025 4:01:06 PM GMT last edited by Sally

Trump Signs HALT Fentanyl Act, Toughening Drug Penalties

Trump Signs HALT Fentanyl Act, Toughening Drug Penalties

    Above: US President Donald Trump embraces Anne Fundner, whose son died of a fentanyl overdose, July 16, 2025. Image copyright: (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    The Spin

    This legislationlaw representsis a crucialkey victorywin in the warfight against drug cartels and fentanyl traffickers whoand havedrug beencartels exploiting legal loopholes. forMaking years.fentanyl Thea permanent Schedule I classificationdrug ensuresgives law enforcement has consistent tools to prosecute dealers while sending a strong message that America won't tolerate the poisoning of its citizensact. CombinedAlong with Trump's border security measuresmoves and cartellabeling designationscartels as terrorist organizationsterrorists, thisit comprehensiveforms approacha finallytough, addressescomprehensive theresponse rootto ofa thedeadly national crisis.

    While the bill has bipartisan support, critics argue it perpetuatesrevives failed "tough on crime" policies that prioritizeemphasize punishment over treatment. andIt could leadworsen toracial harshdisparities, penaltieshitting forBlack peoplecommunities struggling with addictionhardest, particularlyand affectingfail Blackto Americanstackle disproportionately.the Theroot legislation doesn't address underlying causes of addiction or provideboost additionaltreatment funding for treatment programs, instead relying on incarceration as the primary solution. Public health experts worryargue thisit approach ignores decadesproven ofstrategies evidencelike showing that treatment and harm reduction are more effective than criminalization.

    Metaculus Prediction

    The number of drug overdose deaths in the United States will be 116k in 2026 and 117k in 2028, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


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