The Donald Trump administration has announced upcoming plans to shut down the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Program. The service, once considered a beacon for kids facing bullying or family rejection, is facing the ax amid budget negotiations. As nonprofits focused on LGBTQ+ advocates react to the decision, a debate has erupted over universal care versus personalized support for vulnerable youth.
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Donald Trump administration makes big decision amid reported budget cuts
The government health agency, Samhsa, announced on Tuesday, June 17, that it is ending its 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline LGBTQ+ youth program. The official end date has been set for July 17.
Since its launch in 2022, this service has provided support to queer individuals under the age of 25. It has particularly helped those struggling with any personal difficulties they may be facing. This includes family issues, overcoming bullying or battling mental health struggles.
SAMHSA’s own figures state that the hotline handled more than 1.3 million calls, texts and chats from LGBTQ+ youth, with around 2,100 people reaching its service daily in February.
However, the government now says it is about ensuring everyone gets help while reducing financial costs. In its statement, the agency removed the “T” in LGBTQ+ when announcing the change. Anyone who dials 988 will be connected with culturally aware counsellors, officials noted.
“Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to qualified, caring, and culturally competent crisis counselors who can help with suicidal, substance abuse, or mental health crises or any other type of emotional distress. Anyone who calls the Lifeline will continue to receive compassion and support,” SAMHSA states.
Here’s what triggered the change
The move has since drawn criticism from nonprofits including the Trevor Project, which called the decision “devastating” in a statement .
The TTP, which has been a significant part of running the hotline, added that the youth program has been a lifeline for at-risk teens in the US.
The hotline originated from a bipartisan law that Trump signed in 2020 during his first term. At the time, the Trevor Project reported that LGBTQ+ youth, who are four times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than other teens, required additional support.
However, in April, eyebrows were raised after a draft of the 2026 budget proposal leaked online, according to The Washington Post . The document reportedly came from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It suggested cutting the program to cut health care spending. And while this was initially considered nothing more than a rumor, the announcement confirms that the change was in the works all along.
Where should LGBTQ+ youth turn now?
With the Press 3 option, many question how queer kids can navigate this shift when seeking professional advice. SAMHSA says 988 remains available, but debate persists about whether these agents can effectively support queer individuals, especially if they lack community ties or experience.
And with fears that counselors without specific training may not know how to deal with things like transphobia, the Trevor Project says it is stepping up to the plate.
The company has promised its own 24/7 crisis line (1-866-488-7386 or text 678678), which will continue to operate after the upcoming change, and they’re encouraging young people to reach out no matter the situation.
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What do you think colleagues?
