Summary
Drug-related deaths in the U.S. have dropped to a five-year low, despite President Trump highlighting fentanyl as a major issue. Trump continues to implement tough policies against fentanyl, including signing a law for stricter prison sentences for traffickers.
Key Facts
- Drug deaths in the U.S. have decreased significantly since mid-2023.
- CDC data shows 77,648 overdose deaths for the year ending in March 2025, a low not seen since March 2020.
- President Trump signed the "Halt Fentanyl Act," which includes 10-year mandatory jail terms for fentanyl traffickers.
- Despite the drop in deaths, Trump describes fentanyl as a growing problem and has based some policies on that view.
- Trump proposed tariffs and tougher criminal penalties partly due to fentanyl concerns.
- Drug deaths have decreased by about one-third from the 2023 peak.
- States like West Virginia, California, Florida, and New York have seen large reductions in drug deaths.
- Experts attribute the decline to improved healthcare, treatment, and disruption of fentanyl supply.
