With 1.8 Million Considering Suicide, Budget Cuts Threaten Vital Mental Health Support for At-Risk Youth
New York, N.Y. – A leaked budget proposal from the Trump administration has sparked outrage among mental health advocates, as it seeks to eliminate funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services, a critical resource for LGBTQ+ youth facing mental health crises.
This move, if enacted, would strip away a lifeline that has supported over 1.2 million young people since its inception in 2022, despite suicide being the second leading cause of death among U.S. youth aged 10-14 and the third for those aged 15-24.
A Critical Resource at Risk
The 988 Lifeline, launched in July 2022, provides 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors for anyone in emotional distress.
Its LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services, accessible by pressing “3” or texting “PRIDE,” connects callers with counselors trained to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, who are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
The Trevor Project, a key partner, has served over 231,000 crisis contacts in 2024 alone, handling nearly half of the program’s volume. The proposed cuts, set to take effect October 1, 2025, would eliminate this specialized subnetwork, leaving millions without tailored support.
Why the Cuts Matter
Suicide is a public health crisis, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, with 1.8 million seriously considering suicide annually, according to the Trevor Project. The 988 program’s specialized services were established to address this disparity, backed by bipartisan support and signed into law by President Trump in 2020.
Advocates, including Jaymes Black, CEO of the Trevor Project, emphasize that “suicide prevention is about risk, not identity.” Cutting these services could exacerbate an already dire situation, especially amid recent anti-LGBTQ+ policies, such as restrictions on gender-affirming care and transgender rights.
Who Is Affected
The defunding would impact LGBTQ+ youth nationwide, particularly those in rural or conservative areas with limited access to affirming mental health resources. In 2024, the 988 Lifeline received 100,000 contacts from LGBTQ+ youth in January and February alone, averaging 2,100 daily contacts.
Mental health experts warn that without culturally competent counselors, callers may face inadequate support, deepening their crises. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has urged the administration to maintain funding, citing the proven effectiveness of these services.
Political and Social Backlash
The proposal, first reported by The Washington Post, has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and advocates.
House Democrats, including Rep. Greg Stanton, have called the cuts “shortsighted and dangerous,” noting the lifeline’s role in supporting nearly 1.3 million young people.
Senator Elizabeth Warren labeled the decision “terrible” and life-threatening. California Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing legislation to include the Trevor Project’s number on student IDs, countering the federal rollback.
On X, posts reflect public dismay, with users decrying the move as a cruel attack on vulnerable youth.
Contact Your Representatives
The budget draft is not final and requires Congressional approval, offering hope that advocacy can preserve this vital program. The Trevor Project and other organizations are launching emergency fundraising campaigns to sustain services if federal funds are cut.
Janson Wu, the Trevor Project’s vice president of advocacy, stressed the need for resources to train counselors and reach youth in crisis. The public is urged to contact their representatives to oppose the cuts and support mental health funding.
Help is available | Speak with someone today | 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Languages: English, Spanish | Hours: Available 24 hours
Call to Action
Contact your Congressional representatives to oppose the defunding
of the 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services. Support
organizations like the Trevor Project through donations or volunteering to
ensure LGBTQ+ youth have access to life-saving mental health resources.
Share Your Thoughts
How do you feel about the proposed defunding of the 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+
Youth Specialized Services? Share your perspectives on importance of
mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth and how communities can respond..
#LGBTQYouth #MentalHealth
#SuicidePrevention #988Lifeline #TrevorProject
Tags: LGBTQ+ youth, suicide prevention, Trump administration, mental health,
988 Lifeline, Trevor Project, budget cuts, Congress, anti-LGBTQ+ policies
Social Media Blurbs
X (20-25 words):
Trump Targets LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Lifeline, risking lives. Support the 988 Lifeline! #LGBTQYouth #MentalHealth Read more: bit.ly/988cuts
Bluesky (25-30 words):
Trump Targets LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Lifeline, threatening vital support for at-risk youth. Learn about the 988 Lifeline cuts. #LGBTQYouth #MentalHealth bit.ly/988cuts
LinkedIn (75-100 words):
The Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts threaten the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services, a critical resource for addressing the mental health crisis among U.S. youth. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people, and LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately affected. These cuts could have devastating societal impacts, undermining public health efforts. Professionals in healthcare and advocacy must urge Congress to protect this lifeline. #LGBTQYouth #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention
Full story: www.stewardshipreport.org/trump-lgbtq-youth-lifeline
Truth Social (40-50 words):
Trump Targets LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Lifeline, proposing to defund the 988 Lifeline’s specialized services. This threatens at-risk youth. Support mental health resources! #LGBTQYouth
www.stewardshipreport.org/trump-lgbtq-youth-lifeline
Mastodon (50-60 words):
A leaked Trump budget draft aims to cut the 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services, endangering vulnerable youth. Trump Targets LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Lifeline despite rising suicide rates. Join the community in advocating for mental health support. #LGBTQYouth #MentalHealth
www.stewardshipreport.org/trump-lgbtq-youth-lifeline
Instagram (30-40 words):
Trump Targets LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Lifeline, threatening 988’s vital services. Act now to support at-risk youth! Link in bio.
#LGBTQYouth #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #988Lifeline #TrevorProject
Facebook (60-75 words):
The Trump administration plans to defund the 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services, risking lives as suicide remains a top cause of death for U.S. youth. Trump Targets LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Lifeline despite its proven impact. Learn how to support this critical program. #LGBTQYouth #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention
www.stewardshipreport.org/trump-lgbtq-youth-lifeline
Reddit (75-100 words):
Trump Targets LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Lifeline, with a leaked budget proposing to defund the 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services, serving 1.2 million since 2022. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for U.S. youth, and LGBTQ+ youth face higher risks. What can communities do to protect mental health resources for at-risk groups? Share your thoughts. #LGBTQYouth #MentalHealth
www.stewardshipreport.org/trump-lgbtq-youth-lifeline
