In a recent oversight, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi removed a social media post that erroneously implied President Donald Trump's administration was responsible for a significant decline in national drug overdose deaths, a trend that data shows largely occurred during President Biden's tenure. The chart, which spanned from October 2015 to October 2024, inadvertently reignited discussions on the effectiveness of fentanyl enforcement and the broader opioid crisis.
The original post by Bondi celebrated various Trump-era measures, such as intensified border security, large-scale drug interceptions, and the prosecution of drug traffickers, presenting these as effective strategies in combatting the drug epidemic. The statement read, "President Trump closed the border. DOJ agents have seized hundreds of millions of potentially lethal fentanyl doses. We are aggressively prosecuting drug traffickers and cartel leaders. These are the results. Elections have consequences. Electing President Trump and enforcing the law is saving American lives.”
However, the National Institutes of Health data cited in the chart shows a significant reduction in overdose deaths during the period when President Biden was in office. According to the World Is One News (WION), there was a drop from roughly 32.5 to 25 deaths per 100,000 people from October 2023 to October 2024, with all U.S. regions experiencing declines.
Analysts have pointed out that the downward trend is the result of long-term factors, including the escalation of fentanyl use, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and subsequent public health measures. The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study in June 2025 indicating that the rate of decrease was nearly twice as fast during Biden's term compared to that during President Trump's first term.
Public reaction to the erroneous post was swift, with California Democratic Representative Ted Lieu poking fun at the gaffe on social media, while screenshots of the post spread rapidly after its deletion. This incident has sparked a broader conversation concerning the accuracy of political messaging and the reporting of public health statistics.
Despite recent declines, experts have warned that the progress in reducing overdose deaths is precarious. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is facing significant budget cuts and staffing reductions, which could hinder treatment programs, prevention initiatives, and public health interventions. Therefore, continued emphasis on enforcement, policy, and funding decisions is deemed essential for sustaining the observed improvements.
Bondi's social media misstep has put her previous actions, such as her management of the Jeffrey Epstein files and ongoing investigations into alleged fraud in Minnesota, under renewed scrutiny. The aim to underscore President Trump's law enforcement achievements backfired, highlighting the complexities of conveying intricate public health data amidst partisan discourse.
Observers have noted that this slip-up may affect how federal officials communicate sensitive health information in the future. The incident underscores the importance of accuracy and clarity in public health communication, especially when intertwined with political achievements.
