US Justice Department grant cuts for police, crime victims valued at $811 million: Report

The US Justice Department has terminated grants totalling USD 811 million that were previously allocated to support crime victims, including funding for trauma recovery centers, mental healthcare for police officers, and services like sign language interpretation, two sources familiar with the matter told news agency Reuters. The full amount of unspent funds at the time of termination remains unclear.

The cuts impact 365 competitive grants issued by the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), which typically distributes funds over a three-year span. In fiscal year 2024, the OJP had been approved to award about USD 3 billion in grants.

This move is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to scale back federal government operations, particularly targeting initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and refugee assistance. The process, described by insiders as disorganized, has at times led to the dismissal and subsequent rehiring of federal staff.

A Justice Department spokesperson did not comment immediately, but officials claimed the grant cuts were selective and meant to avoid disrupting victim services. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the department remains committed to ensuring crime victims continue to receive support.

After media attention on cuts to a grant for pet-friendly domestic violence shelters, the department reversed some of the decisions. Aid was restored to several providers, including a Connecticut shelter that accepts pets and a Maryland service organization.

In a follow-up email to the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Maureen Henneberg expressed gratitude for the organization’s dedication, confirming the grant’s reinstatement.

(With inputs from Reuters)