UB Historian David Herzberg Discusses Impact of Trump’s Drug Policies on Addiction Treatment
Published May 13, 2025
David Herzberg, professor of history at the University at Buffalo, was recently quoted in a New York Times article examining how former President Donald Trump's drug policies have affected access to addiction treatment and prevention services.
The article explores the tension between punitive approaches and public health strategies in addressing the opioid crisis. While the Trump administration allocated significant funding to combat the crisis, experts, including Herzberg, express concerns that an emphasis on law enforcement over treatment may undermine efforts to reduce overdose deaths.
Herzberg's insights contribute to a broader discussion on the effectiveness of various strategies in combating the opioid epidemic and highlight the importance of prioritizing treatment and prevention services.