President Donald Trump signed sweeping new legislation Wednesday that he said will dramatically increase penalties for fentanyl trafficking.
The newly enacted HALT Fentanyl Act designates all fentanyl analogues as Schedule I substances under federal law, giving law enforcement expanded power to prosecute dealers and traffickers peddling synthetic versions of the opioid, according to The Hill. Trump signed the measure at a White House ceremony alongside families who lost loved ones to fentanyl overdoses.
“We’ll be getting the drug dealers, pushers, and peddlers off our street, and we will not rest until we have ended the drug overdose epidemic,” Trump said. “And it’s been getting a little bit better, but it’s horrible.”
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 11: U.S. President Donald Trump answers questions while departing the White House on July 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
The bill passed both chambers with bipartisan backing and permanently classifies all fentanyl-like compounds as among the most dangerous controlled substances. That move closes loopholes previously exploited by cartels to flood the U.S. with altered chemical variants meant to dodge prosecution.
The HALT Fentanyl Act, first introduced in the Senate in January, includes provisions to ease research restrictions on Schedule I substances. It allows multi-site registration, waives certain inspections, and permits limited manufacturing without a separate license to help researchers study fentanyl-related compounds more efficiently. (RELATED: Trump Closes Tariff Loophole That Let China Flood America With Knockoff Goods, Drugs)
Trump has long taken a hardline stance against fentanyl, pressuring Canada, Mexico, and China to take action through a series of tariffs and public warnings. He has specifically criticized Mexico and Canada for allowing the drug to pour across the southern border. On Thursday, he announced a 35% tariff on Canada starting August 1, citing its role in fentanyl trafficking and a growing trade imbalance as threats to U.S. security.
Trump has already secured trade deals with the U.K. and Vietnam, and reached a temporary deal with China. In recent weeks, he warned major partners like South Korea and Japan of steep new tariffs, including rates as high as 50%.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
