Fact Check: The Trump administration plans to eliminate the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program, which has a budget of $18 million, as stated in the DHS budget submitted to Congress in February 2023.

Fact Check: Trump Administration Plans to Eliminate the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program

What We Know

The claim states that the Trump administration plans to eliminate the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program (TVTP), which has a budget of $18 million, as indicated in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) budget submitted to Congress in February 2023. The TVTP Grant Program is designed to provide funding to various entities, including state and local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions, to enhance their capabilities in preventing targeted violence and terrorism (source-1).

In the fiscal year 2025 budget, there is mention of $18 million allocated for the TVTP Grants, aimed at supporting activities that prevent recruitment into violent extremism (source-4). This suggests that the program is still active and funded as of the latest budget report.

Analysis

The assertion that the Trump administration plans to eliminate the TVTP Grant Program requires careful scrutiny. While it is true that there have been discussions and reports about cuts to various DHS programs, including the TVTP, the specific claim lacks direct evidence from credible sources indicating an official decision to eliminate the program entirely. For instance, a report from NBC News mentions that the Trump administration was considering ending the program, but does not confirm that such a decision has been finalized (source-6).

Moreover, the Independent reported on the potential impacts of such cuts, emphasizing concerns from former officials and experts about the implications for violence prevention (source-7). However, these articles do not provide definitive confirmation that the program has been eliminated, only that it is under review or facing potential cuts.

In contrast, ProPublica highlights that the TVTP Grant Program has been instrumental in funding local efforts to prevent terrorism, indicating its importance and the pushback against any proposed cuts (source-8). This suggests that there is significant opposition to the elimination of the program, which could influence the final decision.

Conclusion

Needs Research. The claim that the Trump administration plans to eliminate the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program is not fully substantiated by the available evidence. While there are indications of budgetary discussions and potential cuts, there is no conclusive confirmation that the program has been officially terminated. Further investigation into the latest DHS budget proposals and official statements would be necessary to clarify the status of the TVTP Grant Program.