The Department of Justice will be redirecting funds that were initially designated for transgender projects and other diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to instead support law enforcement.
The change follows an inquiry from Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley, who requested clarification from Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office about the DOJ’s recent decision to cut $811 million in grant funding. Grassley sent a letter seeking details on the department’s grant review and appeals process.
In response, Bondi’s office revealed that most of the affected funds were previously awarded to non-governmental organizations rather than state or local agencies directly serving communities. According to the Daily Wire, the AG’s office said the new allocation of funds would be used for initiatives that more align with the administration’s agenda, such as "supporting law enforcement operations, combating violent crime, protecting American children, supporting American victims of trafficking and sexual assault, and enhancing coordination among law enforcement at all levels of government."
During the previous administration, the DOJ granted awards to organizations promoting DEI and LGBT-related programs. One example includes a $200,000 grant to the Diversity Center of Oklahoma for “culturally responsive services” aimed at “Black and Brown women, including Black transgender women” in Oklahoma City. The grant also supported so-called “gender affirming medical care.”
Another $700,000 grant was awarded to FORGE Inc., aimed at addressing “major” types of violent crime carried out against individuals identifying as transgender and to “add a particular focus on the experience of trans women and girls of color.” The program included “23 listening sessions of trans survivors” and a “stakeholders advisory group” made up of “providers and trans community members.”
While former grant recipients will not be required to return funds that have already been received, those who have been given termination notices will no longer receive future funding.
In a statement to Fox News, a DOJ official said the department will no longer “waste” funds on DEI.
"The Department of Justice under Pam Bondi will not waste discretionary funds on DEI passion projects that do not make Americans safer," the official explained. "We will use our money to get criminals off the streets, seize drugs, and in some cases, fund programs that deliver a tangible impact for victims of crime."
