The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has expressed concern over a series of executive orders issued by the Trump Administration. These orders, according to NASW, could negatively impact healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, particularly affecting immigrants and those seeking gender-affirming care.
NASW CEO Anthony Estreet commented on these developments in various platforms. He said that "Trump's executive orders are exacerbating the country's mental health crisis," as reported in Slate Magazine on March 12, 2025. Additionally, the NASW has voiced its apprehension regarding workforce reductions at the Department of Veterans Affairs through a letter addressed to VA Secretary Douglas Collins dated April 11, 2025.
In response to these executive actions, NASW President Yvonne Chase hosted a discussion titled "Supporting Immigrant Communities: A Conversation with Social Workers" on April 16, 2025. The conversation was streamed live on Facebook and YouTube.
Further analysis from NASW suggests that recent federal court decisions related to Trump's executive orders provide some hope for affected communities. However, the organization remains critical of specific directives such as the Smithsonian Executive Order, which they claim attempts to "erase racism from U.S. History."
The NASW also raised legal and moral concerns about using the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans and criticized plans to eliminate the Department of Education as potentially disastrous.
The organization's Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + Issues responded critically to an order restricting gender-affirming care. They also highlighted potential threats posed by changes to Medicaid and Medicare policies.
NASW has joined forces with coalition partners in signing letters urging lawmakers to protect constituents from these perceived threats. They have launched campaigns encouraging social workers to contact their representatives in Congress to protest planned cuts to Medicaid.
Finally, NASW emphasizes finding optimism amidst what they describe as "radical indifference," offering resources like Project 2025 on Social Safety Net for further insight into social work perspectives.
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