Trump Signs Executive Order to Accelerate Psychedelic Treatments for Veterans with PTSD
President Trump signed an executive order on April 18 directing the FDA to fast-track review of psychedelic drugs for serious mental illnesses, with a focus on veterans. The order allocates $50 million for state-led psychedelic research programs and creates a pathway for patients to access investigational treatments under the Right to Try Act. Veterans' organizations and lawmakers from both parties praised the move.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 18, 2026, directing federal agencies to accelerate research and access to psychedelic drugs for serious mental illnesses, with a particular focus on veterans.
The White House announced the order on April 20. It directs the FDA Commissioner to provide priority review vouchers to psychedelic drugs that have received Breakthrough Therapy designation. The order also instructs the FDA and Drug Enforcement Administration to create a pathway for eligible patients to access investigational psychedelic drugs under the Right to Try Act.
The Department of Health and Human Services, through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, will allocate at least $50 million from existing funds to support state governments developing psychedelic research programs.
The order also directs HHS and the FDA to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the private sector to increase clinical trial participation and data sharing for psychedelic treatments.
Veterans' organizations praised the move. Groups including Americans for Ibogaine, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Special Operations Association of America said the order could provide new hope for veterans dealing with PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
Executives from companies including Compass Pathways, Definium Therapeutics, and Helus Pharma also welcomed the order, calling for rigorous scientific research and FDA-approved pathways.
Senators Lindsey Graham, Dave McCormick, Rand Paul, and Tim Sheehy expressed support, along with more than a dozen House members from both parties.
The order comes as a December 2025 poll by the American Psychiatric Association found that 38 percent of Americans planned to make a mental health-related New Year's resolution for 2026, up 5 percent from the previous year. Personal finances, uncertainty about the future, and current events were the top sources of anxiety reported by respondents.
