Drug overdoses have been a point of focus for lawmakers in recent years, particularly alongside the rise of illicit fentanyl use.

There were 30,000 fewer U.S. drug overdose deaths in 2024 than the year before — the largest one-year decline ever recorded.

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.