President Donald Trump signed an executive order accelerating research and improving access to psychedelic drugs as treatments for serious mental illnesses, with a particular focus on veterans. The order prioritizes breakthroughs that could offer new hope to veterans, who continue to face disproportionately high suicide rates and often do not respond to conventional therapies.
The executive order includes a 50 million dollar federal funding commitment to ibogaine research, expanded use of Right to Try pathways, expanded federal support for clinical research, and new funding mechanisms to support veterans seeking treatment in advanced, licensed, hospital-grade settings. According to statements released with the order, an estimated four million Americans are living with treatment-resistant depression and 13 million with PTSD—two conditions where psychedelic therapies show promise.
Compass Pathways, a pharmaceutical company developing synthetic psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, reported two positive phase 3 trials with statistically significant and clinically meaningful data demonstrating effects within one day and durability lasting at least through six months after one or two doses. The company stated it is already working with the FDA on a rolling submission for approval.
Veterans’ organizations welcomed the action. American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley stated: “Thanks to the advancements of research, there is hope that these psychedelic drugs will serve as a pathway to and promise of a brighter future for our veterans and their loved ones.” Retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, who personally experienced ibogaine treatment, said: “It absolutely changed my life for the better. I think there’s a lot of people out there that need help who can benefit from this.”
The order directs the Department of Justice, Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs, and FDA to work collaboratively on labeling and scheduling considerations. Multiple lawmakers from both parties endorsed the move, with Senator Lindsey Graham stating he “totally support[s]” the order and calling it “a very good decision by President Trump.”
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2026/04/president-trumps-landmark-order-advances-breakthrough-mental-health-treatments-delivering-new-hope-to-veterans/