WASHINGTON D.C January 29, 2026 – President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on January 29 establishing the White House Great American Recovery Initiative, a new coordinated federal effort to address the nation’s addiction crisis.
The signing took place in the Oval Office, where President Trump was joined by administration officials and guests as he held up the signed document amid applause.
The initiative aims to enhance coordination across federal agencies, healthcare providers, faith communities, and the private sector to save lives, restore families, and strengthen communities affected by substance use disorder.
According to the White House fact sheet, addiction affects 48.4 million Americans—16.8% of the population—with significant economic and social costs, including reduced workforce participation, higher healthcare expenses, and family instability.
The executive order establishes the initiative co-chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and a Senior Advisor for Addiction Recovery. It includes an executive director and representatives from various cabinet departments and agencies.
Key directives include:
- Recommending steps to better align federal programs and set clear, data-driven objectives.
- Increasing public awareness of addiction as a treatable chronic disease.
- Advising agencies on integrating prevention, treatment, recovery support, and re-entry programs.
- Guiding the use of grants to prioritize prevention, treatment, and long-term resilience.
- Consulting with states, tribal nations, local groups, faith-based organizations, and private entities.
The order emphasizes treating addiction similarly to other chronic diseases, using evidence-based care and community support.
This action builds on prior Trump administration efforts, including border security measures to reduce drug inflows, the HALT Fentanyl Act, and reauthorization of support programs for substance use disorders.
The White House described the initiative as a step toward a comprehensive national response, supplementing recent progress in curbing illegal drug supplies.
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