Trump admin to end LGBTQ youth suicide hotline, sparking bipartisan backlash and public outcry
The Trump administration announced it will officially end the specialized LGBTQ youth services under the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a decision that has drawn swift criticism from mental health advocates, lawmakers, and celebrities alike.
The “Press 3” option, which connected LGBTQ individuals under 25 to counselors trained to handle issues specific to queer youth, will be decommissioned effective July 17. The program was originally launched in 2022 under a federal contract with The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.
According to a statement from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the change is being made to “focus on serving all help seekers,” and will eliminate what it called the “siloing” of services for LGBTQ youth. Notably, SAMHSA’s announcement omitted the “T” from the LGBTQ acronym, referencing only “LGB+ youth” and signaling a shift that critics say intentionally erases transgender individuals.
Service Reached Over 1 Million in Crisis
Since its launch, the LGBTQ youth line has facilitated over 1.3 million crisis calls, texts, and chats, with The Trevor Project reporting that its staff alone responded to nearly half of those contacts. On average, the dedicated option received more than 2,000 inquiries daily as of February 2024.
“This is devastating,” said Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black in a public statement. “Suicide prevention is about people, not politics.”
Black emphasized the urgent need for the service, citing internal research showing 39% of LGBTQ youth aged 13 to 24 had considered suicide in the previous year. That number jumps to 46% among transgender and nonbinary youth.
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Political and Policy Implications
The decision to dismantle the specialized lifeline comes amid broader efforts from the Trump administration to redefine federal gender policy. In January, an executive order was issued recognizing only two biological sexes and removing references to gender identity from several federal agency resources.
Additionally, a leaked draft of the Department of Health and Human Services’ 2026 budget revealed plans to eliminate the hotline’s specialized LGBTQ services. Though overall funding for the 988 hotline will remain unchanged at $520 million, none of that is earmarked for targeted queer youth outreach.
A White House spokesperson defended the decision, stating that the administration does not support “a chat service where children are encouraged to embrace radical gender ideology by ‘counselors’ without parental consent.”
Bipartisan Backlash Mounts
More than 100 Democratic House members, as well as several Senate Democrats, condemned the move in letters sent to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., warning that eliminating the program “could have lethal consequences.”
Two Republican lawmakers also expressed concern, highlighting that LGBTQ youth face disproportionate mental health challenges and that the service provided “a critical resource” for those already at elevated risk.
Celebrity Support and Public Response
A number of high-profile celebrities have also spoken out in support of preserving the lifeline. Actors Pedro Pascal, Daniel Radcliffe, and singers Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa joined an open letter organized by The Trevor Project, urging the administration to reconsider.
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“This is about people, not politics,” the letter read. “At a time of deep division, let this be something we as people can all agree on: no young person should be left without help in their darkest moment.”
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Fan and Public Reactions
Online, the decision has triggered a wave of emotional responses. Social media users, advocacy groups, and everyday citizens have criticized the shutdown, saying “The cruelty of this administration has no bottom.”
On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote, “MAGA love to talk about protecting kids but will happily cut suicide hotlines for the most vulnerable.” Others called on elected officials to act immediately to restore the funding, with hashtags like #SavePress3 and #TransRightsAreHumanRights trending in the wake of the announcement.
MAGA love to talk about protecting kids but will happily cut suicide hotlines for the most vulnerable 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
— Jacob (@IamJacob_AOS) June 18, 2025
The cruelty of this administration has no bottom
— I am Emma (@Emma51887749) June 18, 2025
What’s Next for LGBTQ Youth in Crisis
Despite the shutdown, The Trevor Project has reassured young people that its services will remain open.
“I want every LGBTQ+ young person to know that you are worthy, you are loved, and you belong, despite this heartbreaking news,” said Black. “Our crisis counselors are here for you 24/7.”
Whether Congress will intervene or alternative funding sources emerge remains to be seen, but for now, many fear the loss of a dedicated, life-saving resource for queer youth navigating mental health challenges.
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