Prof. Robert Valuck, who runs the Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention at the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy, said Trump's get-tough approach on choking off supply may help reduce deaths, as long as it continues to be accompanied by drug-treatment opportunities.

U.S. drug overdose deaths fell 27% in 2024, the lowest since 2019, with fentanyl cases sharply down but methamphetamine up, the CDC reports.

President Trump has been vocal in his desire to stop fentanyl smuggling, but his budget proposed cuts to drug programs.