Trump Signs HALT Fentanyl Act, Expands Drug Penalties

President Donald Trump has signed the bipartisan HALT Fentanyl Act into law, permanently classifying all fentanyl-related substances, including chemical analogues, as Schedule I narcotics. The law closes loopholes that traffickers exploited by altering fentanyl’s chemical structure and imposes harsher mandatory minimum sentences, such as 10 years for major trafficking offenses. It also grants the attorney general expanded authority to update the list of banned substances and eases restrictions on research into fentanyl analogues. Trump emphasized the law as a historic step against drug dealers and criminal cartels, linking it to broader efforts like strengthened border security and tariffs targeting countries involved in the fentanyl supply chain. The legislation was widely supported by both parties and celebrated by families affected by the opioid crisis. However, critics warn the new penalties could harm low-level users struggling with addiction.