Krishnamoorthi Responds to Trump Administration Letter on Its Continued Failure to Restore 988 “Press 3” LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis Services

WASHINGTON - Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), author of the bipartisan 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act and a Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, received a June 9th response letter from the Trump Administration to a bipartisan request he led urging the Department of Health and Human Services to restore the 988 Lifeline's "Press 3" option for LGBTQ+ youth by February 28th. In the letter, the Administration acknowledged Congress directed the restoration of the specialized crisis service but said it is still determining how to implement it while complying with Executive Order 14168. Congressman Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement in response:

"Congress could not have been clearer: the Trump Administration must restore the 988 Lifeline's 'Press 3' option, the specialized crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth. Yet in response to concerns I raised, the Administration acknowledged Congress directed the restoration of these lifesaving services but said it is still determining how to do so in compliance with President Trump's executive order targeting so-called 'gender ideology.' Executive orders cannot override federal law, and Congress already settled this question: the Trump Administration must restore these services, including for transgender young people. This is not a political question. It is about making sure that when LGBTQ+ young people reach out for help in their darkest moment, they can connect with trained counselors who understand what they are going through and can provide the support they need."

In the June 9th letter, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration acknowledged that Congress directed the restoration of specialized LGBTQ+ youth services through fiscal year 2026 appropriations language, including the 988 "Press 3" option. However, despite lawmakers urging restoration by February 28th, the Administration said it is still assessing implementation while seeking to comply with Executive Order 14168.

On February 11th, Congressman Krishnamoorthi joined Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Michael Lawler (R-NY), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) in urging Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to restart specialized LGBTQ+ youth services within the 988 Lifeline and ensure they were fully operational no later than February 28th. The lawmakers emphasized that Congress directed $33.1 million for the services and warned that continued discontinuation undermines congressional intent and suicide prevention efforts.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi has led congressional efforts to restore and permanently protect LGBTQ+ youth crisis services following the Trump Administration's decision to end the program in 2025. He introduced the bipartisan 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act to codify the specialized services into law.