Full Breakdown
Trump Administration Plans Relaunch of 988 LGBTQ+ Crisis Option, Excluding The Trevor Project
6/26/2026, 11:28:59 PM
Relaunch Plan and Exclusion of The Trevor Project
The White House announced the specialized “press 3” option for LGBTQ+ youth on the 988 Lifeline will be reinstated by 2024. The service, halted in July after funding expired, will be rebuilt under HHS. Vibrant Emotional Health, a nonprofit running the 988 network, seeks applications from current 988 members only. The Trevor Project, which helped design and staff the original service, is not an active member and cannot apply.
Background
The LGBTQ+ youth option launched in 2022 to address higher suicide risk among LGBTQ+ adolescents. Callers could press 3, text “PRIDE,” or chat online with counselors trained in LGBTQ+ cultural competencies. Funding ended in July 2024, prompting suspension.
Key Figures & Data
The Trevor Project (CEO Jaymes Black), Dr. Christine Yu Moutier (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) and Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) are key. SAMHSA recorded 1.6 million “press 3” contacts, half handled by Trevor Project. Streamlinefeed reported 1.5 million contacts from Sep 2022–May 2026. CDC data show 26 % of transgender and gender-questioning students attempted suicide, versus 5 % of cis male and 11 % of cis female students. Congress allocated $33 million for LGBTQ+ interventions.
Official Statements & Responses
Dr. Moutier said it would not make sense to exclude Trevor Project, noting its reputation. Vibrant Emotional Health said active 988 members may apply. HHS spokesperson declined comment on eligibility but confirmed coordination with Vibrant. SAMHSA wrote to Rep. Krishnamoorthi that agency must assess appropriate approach.
Criticism & Opposition
Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, called exclusion a dangerous step that could lower standards for LGBTQ+ youth, while Sen. Tammy Baldwin said administration should not have shut down the “press 3” option. Black warned relaunch may exclude transgender and nonbinary youth; Moutier noted it could bring benefits and harms.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Contact totals vary—SAMHSA cites 1.6 million, Streamlinefeed reports about 1.5 million, and a later statement mentions 1.3 million—while criteria for “active” network membership and staffing plans remain undisclosed, and HHS has not addressed The Trevor Project’s eligibility.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Trump administration never should have shut down the ‘press 3’ option and put young Americans at further risk,” — Sen. Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Senate
- “Christine Yu Moutier, chief medical officer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, said it “would not make sense” to keep The Trevor Project ineligible to help and it is a “long-standing, high-quality and trusted resource” to LGBTQ+ people.” — Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- “This troubling development indicates a dangerous step toward degrading the clinical standards to serve high risk groups that the ‘press 3’ specialized services were founded on,” — Jaymes Black, CEO, The Trevor Project
- “It is deeply upsetting to see the administration reverse course on an evidence-backed, bipartisan program that has successfully provided life-saving crisis care to 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people,” — Jaymes Black, CEO, The Trevor Project
What's Next
Congress allocated $33 million, requiring the specialized option to be operational by 2024. The Trevor Project will keep its independent 24/7 crisis line while monitoring rollout. Stakeholders await clarification on eligibility and training standards, as service must align with a Trump order labeling “gender ideology extremism” a threat. Ongoing monitoring of call volume will assess whether the revived option matches the original program’s effectiveness.
