Did Trump Shut Down 988? What Most People Get Wrong

Wait. Stop. Take a breath. If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Twitter lately, you might have seen a headline that made your heart drop. People are asking, "Did Trump shut down 988?" It’s a terrifying thought.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is basically the 911 of mental health. It’s the number you call when the world feels too heavy to carry. Honestly, the rumors spreading right now are a messy mix of scary half-truths and political spin.

Let’s get the big answer out of the way immediately: No, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has not been shut down. If you or someone you know is in a dark place, you can still dial 988 right this second. It works. Someone will answer. But—and this is a big "but"—there have been some massive changes to how it works and who it serves.

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The Reality: Did Trump Shut Down 988?

The short answer is no, but the long answer is a bit more complicated. In July 2025, the Trump administration made a move that felt like a shutdown to many people. They officially terminated the specialized LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program within the 988 network.

Previously, if you called or texted 988, you could "Press 3" or text "PRIDE" to be routed to a counselor specifically trained to help LGBTQ+ kids. That's gone.

The administration’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) pulled the plug on that specific subnetwork. So, while the 988 number itself is still ringing, the "Press 3" option is dead.

Why the confusion?

The confusion mostly comes from how people talk about it. When a major piece of a service is cut, people start saying the whole thing is gone. It's like if a city shut down its fire department’s specialized water rescue team—the fire trucks still run, but if you're drowning, it feels like the department is "shut down."

On top of that, just a few days ago, on January 13, 2026, the administration issued hundreds of "termination letters" for various mental health grants. This totaled about $2 billion in cuts. Organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) are sounding the alarm because these cuts hit local programs that support the 988 system, even if they didn't kill the 988 line itself.

A Weird Bit of History You Might Have Forgotten

Here is the irony: Donald Trump actually signed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act into law back in October 2020.

He was the one who officially made "988" the universal three-digit number. It was a rare moment of bipartisan "everyone agrees on this" energy. It’s kinda strange to see the same administration that birthed the number now hacking away at the specific services that made it work for high-risk groups.

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who currently heads Health and Human Services (HHS), recently said the administration is committed to making 988 "accessible and responsive." But advocates argue that you can't be "responsive" if you're laying off the specialized staff who know how to talk to kids in crisis.

What Actually Changed (The Deep Dive)

It isn't just a "vibe" shift. The changes are structural and financial.

1. The LGBTQ+ Subnetwork: This was the biggest hit. The Trevor Project, which handled about 50% of these specialized calls, was essentially cut out of the federal 988 loop in July 2025.
2. Staffing and Oversight: Reports suggest that over 100 employees at the agency overseeing 988 were laid off. Fewer people watching the phones means longer wait times.
3. Local Grants: While the 988 "administrator" (the big entity that keeps the lights on) just got a $231 million funding opportunity, the local groups—the people who actually do the suicide prevention work in your town—are seeing their federal grants terminated.
4. Generalization: Instead of specialized routes, everyone now gets sent to "general" crisis counselors.

General counselors are great. They are heroes. But if you’re a 16-year-old trans kid in a rural area, you might feel a lot safer talking to someone who specifically understands your life. That layer of safety is what's currently missing.

Is 988 Safe to Use?

Yes.

I want to be incredibly clear about this because misinformation can literally be fatal. If you are in a crisis, dial 988.

You will still be connected to a trained counselor. The georouting technology (which routes your call to a center near you instead of just based on your area code) is still being implemented and improved. The system is still 24/7. It is still free. It is still confidential.

Where to Find Help If 988 Feels Different Now

Because the specialized services were cut, other organizations have had to step up. If you’re looking for the kind of help that used to be under the "Press 3" option, here are your best bets in 2026:

• The Trevor Project: They didn't disappear just because the federal funding did. You can still reach them directly at 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
• Trans Lifeline: Still running at 877-565-8860.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. This is a separate, private nonprofit and hasn't been affected by the federal budget cuts.
• Veterans Crisis Line: This is still active! Call 988 and Press 1. This specific service for veterans was not cut.

What You Can Do Next

The situation is fluid. One day there’s a budget proposal, the next there’s a termination letter. If you care about mental health access, sitting around and worrying isn't going to help.

First, update your contacts. Don't just rely on 988. Save the direct numbers for The Trevor Project or the Crisis Text Line. It’s always better to have a backup plan before the crisis hits.

Second, look at your state. Since the federal government pulled back on LGBTQ+ services, states like California have stepped in to fund their own versions of these specialized lines. Check if your state’s Department of Health has a local alternative.

Third, use your voice. Organizations like the National Council for Mental Wellbeing are actively fighting to get these grants reinstated. They need stories and support to show Congress that these aren't just "abstract budget lines"—they are literal lifelines.

The 988 number is still there. It hasn't been shut down. But it has been changed, and for many, those changes feel like a loss. Stay informed, keep the right numbers in your phone, and most importantly, don't let the headlines stop you from reaching out when you need help.

Actionable Steps:

1. Save Backup Numbers: Add 1-866-488-7386 (Trevor Project) and 741741 (Crisis Text Line) to your phone contacts today.
2. Verify Local Resources: Check your state's health department website to see if they've launched state-funded specialized crisis services.
3. Spread Facts, Not Fear: If you see someone saying 988 is "shut down," gently correct them. Fear prevents people from calling for help.