More than 350 grants, originally worth over $800 million, were canceled, leading to layoffs and program closures. Amy Solomon, a former assistant attorney general, stated that the cuts affected every area of the department’s work.
“You would not expect … grants that have already been granted, obligated or awarded to be pulled back,” Solomon said.
The Department of Justice explained that it redirected funds to focus on violent crime, protecting children and supporting victims of trafficking and sexual assault.
Critics called the cuts to programs protecting against bias and aiding opioid addiction “irresponsible” and “dangerous.”
