In an exclusive interview with The Daily Caller, President Donald Trump expressed a willingness to reopen insane asylums to address the issue of mentally ill individuals living on the streets. The discussion highlighted the ongoing crisis involving mental health and homelessness, particularly in urban areas such as Washington, D.C. Trump stated, “Yeah I would,” when asked directly about the possibility of reinstating these facilities.
Trump’s reflections on this topic drew from his personal experiences in New York, where many asylums once existed. He recalled, “They had a lot of them,” noting places like Creedmoor and Bellevue. With a hint of nostalgia, he pointed out that the closure of these institutions led to significant problems: “And what happened is states like New York and California that had them…they released them all into society because they couldn’t afford it.” He views the deinstitutionalization movement as a pivotal error contributing to the current state of urban homelessness and street violence.
He does not hesitate to specify the dangers posed by untreated individuals. “You can’t have these people walking around,” Trump asserted. He argues that such a situation threatens public safety, emphasizing, “So dangerous, so dangerous.” Trump captured a sense of urgency when he spoke about the ramifications of neglecting serious mental health issues, stating that severely ill individuals could live long lives without receiving appropriate care.
The discussion also touched on Trump’s broader approach to crime in Washington, D.C. He is actively mobilizing the National Guard in response to rising crime rates. Additionally, he remains open to sending federal assistance to other cities grappling with crime, including Chicago. His administration’s intent to take action is clear, indicating a strong desire to see improvements.
The idea of reopening asylums comes amid decades spent moving away from institutionalization practices. According to historical data, in the mid-20th century, approximately half of hospital beds were dedicated to psychiatric patients. However, many facilities were closed due to financial pressures, leading to a lack of adequate options for those in need of mental health services. Trump’s campaign website further reinforces this perspective, promising to bring back mental institutions “to house and rehabilitate those who are severely mentally ill or dangerously deranged.” The overarching goal, he claims, is to reintegrate these individuals back into society.
In a time when many communities grapple with surging homelessness and crime, Trump’s stance resonates with those calling for greater accountability in handling mental health issues. His proposals elevate a fraught conversation about how society approaches and treats individuals who need care and support. As he continues to advocate for reopening asylums, the implications of such policies could reshape the landscape of mental healthcare in America.
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