Federal Judge Allows DOJ to Cancel $800M Crime Victim Grants

A federal judge ruled in favor of President Donald Trump's administration, allowing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to rescind nearly $800 million in grants that were originally intended to support violence reduction and crime victim programs. The decision rejected a preliminary injunction sought by five nonprofit organizations, which argued that the cancellation violated the constitutional appropriations clause, lacked due process, and would cause irreparable harm to communities. Although the judge described the DOJ's actions as "shameful" and acknowledged the negative impact on vulnerable communities, he concluded that the court lacked jurisdiction and the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate a constitutional violation. The DOJ justified its cancellation by prioritizing more direct support for certain law enforcement operations, violent crime combat initiatives, and assistance to victims of trafficking and sexual assault. The grant rescissions have led to layoffs, program closures, and loss of community partnerships, prompting criticism from advocacy groups and some lawmakers. Despite this, the court upheld the administration's authority to reallocate funds without judicial interference.