...
By Gabe Whisnant
News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order establishing what he called the Great American Recovery Initiative, an effort aimed at coordinating the federal government’s response to substance abuse in the United States.
The initiative is designed to better align federal resources, set national goals and use data to guide the government’s response to addiction, the fact sheet said. The effort will also focus on raising awareness about substance use disorders, advising federal agencies on treatment strategies and highlighting recovery programs.
Under the order, the administration plans to consult with state and local governments, community organizations, faith‑based groups and businesses as part of a broader strategy to address addiction nationwide.
Read More on News
...
The announcement comes amid upheaval at the federal agency charged with leading the government’s substance‑abuse response. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has been hit by turmoil during the Trump administration, including sweeping layoffs across federal health agencies in mid‑2025.
Earlier this month, the administration abruptly canceled roughly 2,000 grants overseen by the agency, then reversed the decision a day later, creating confusion and disruption within SAMHSA and among organizations that rely on its funding.
Addiction Touches Members of Trump Administration
Addiction affects millions of Americans, including several people serving in Trump’s administration, a reality underscored during his announcement Thursday of a new initiative aimed at addressing the crisis.
The effort is co-chaired by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Kathryn Burgum, the wife of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Both have spoken publicly about their own struggles with addiction and recovery.
Kennedy, who has detailed his past heroin addiction, said Thursday that addiction should be treated as a disease rather than a moral failing. Kathryn Burgum said she relied on alcohol for two decades and marked more than 23 years in recovery.
Also speaking was Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, whose son, Andrew, died of an opioid overdose.
'Great American Recovery': What to Know
The White House says the initiative is intended to treat addiction as a chronic, treatable disease and to improve coordination across federal programs that address substance use disorders. Administration officials say the effort will focus on prevention, evidence‑based treatment, long‑term recovery support and re‑entry, while using data to measure progress and inform the public.
The fact sheet cites federal estimates showing that tens of millions of Americans suffer from addiction, with most people who need treatment not receiving it or believing they need help. The administration says addiction contributes to lost productivity, rising health care costs, homelessness and family instability, costing the U.S. economy hundreds of billions of dollars each year.
Updates: 1/29/26, 6:50 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines