Exclusive: Trump administration cut federal funds for gun violence prevention

Federal Funding Cuts for Gun Violence Prevention Programs

The Trump administration has significantly reduced federal funding for gun violence prevention programs across the United States. This move has affected more than half of all such grants, totaling $158 million. These funds were previously directed to various cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.

According to government data analyzed by DISCOVER TREND, out of 145 community violence intervention (CVI) grants worth over $300 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice, 69 grants were terminated in April. This decision was part of a broader effort by the Office of Justice Programs to cut 365 grants valued at $811 million. These cuts impacted various public safety and victim services programs.

A DOJ official explained that the gun violence grants were eliminated because they no longer met the program's goals or agency priorities. The official also mentioned that thousands of other grants are under review, with evaluations focusing on how well they support law enforcement and combat violent crime.

Background of CVI Grants

Most of these CVI grants were funded through the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which aimed to address the rise in gun violence in America. This initiative included the establishment of the first White House Office for Gun Violence Prevention. However, this office was dismantled shortly after the Trump administration took office, according to Greg Jackson Jr., a former deputy director.

Prior to the Biden-era funding, most gun violence prevention programs were funded at the state level. These programs had smaller budgets and lacked significant federal investment. Michael-Sean Spence, managing director of community safety initiatives at Everytown for Gun Safety, noted that the recent federal funding allowed for larger-scale programs.

Twenty-five groups were directly impacted by the funding cuts. These grants supported various CVI programming, including training outreach teams to de-escalate conflicts, social workers connecting people to services and employment, and hospital-based programs for gun violence victims.

Impact on Communities

Gun violence deaths in the U.S. increased by over 50% from 2015 to 2021, reaching a peak of 21,383. Since then, there has been a decline, with 16,725 deaths in 2024. As of May 2025, deaths have decreased by 866 compared to the same period last year.

Cities like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles received the bulk of the funding, but southern cities such as Memphis, Selma, Alabama, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, also benefited. These cities often relied heavily on federal grants due to limited state support.

Amber Goodwin, co-founder of the Community Violence Legal Network, emphasized that the federal cuts were a significant blow. She is part of a coalition working to reinstate the grants.

Challenges Faced by Organizations

Pha'Tal Perkins, founder of Think Outside Da Block in Chicago, faced challenges when his funding was cut. He had to lay off five team members. Perkins highlighted the importance of having outreach teams available to prevent conflicts from escalating.

The 2022 programs marked the first time grassroots organizations could apply for federal funding directly, without going through law enforcement or state intermediaries, according to three former DOJ officials.

Aqeela Sherrills, co-founder of the Community Based Public Safety Collective in Los Angeles, trained nearly 94 grantees on implementing violence intervention strategies. She noted that many cities and law enforcement agencies lacked the knowledge to implement CVI effectively.

Law Enforcement Perspectives

Some critics argue that CVI programs are not effective and that federal dollars should be spent on law enforcement instead. Aidan Johnston, federal affairs director of the Gun Owners of America, described these programs as anti-gun and a way to send money to non-profits advocating against gun rights.

However, not all law enforcement officials share this view. In June, a letter signed by 18 law enforcement groups and police chiefs called for reinstating funding, citing measurable reductions in violence and homicides.

Columbia, South Carolina Deputy Police Chief Melron Kelly noted that CVI programs are relatively new in his city but have led to increased collaboration with community organizations. He observed a drastic reduction in violent crime post-COVID.

Financial Struggles

Organizations are now struggling to keep their doors open without federal funding. Durell Cowan, executive director of HEAL 901 in Memphis, used personal savings to keep his staff employed after his grant was canceled. He secured some emergency funding but may still face layoffs if federal support does not return.

“We shouldn't be pulling from our own personal finances and life insurance policies to cover the cost of public safety,” Cowan said.