As drug deaths hit five-year low, Trump continues to cite fentanyl as major threat

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks before signing the "Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act," which strengthens prison sentences for fentanyl traffickers, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 16, 2025.

Drug deaths in the U.S. are at their lowest level since March 2025, according to federal data. Trump continues to cite fentanyl as justification for policies ranging from tariffs to immigration.

(Image credit: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds)