DHS cancels Biden-era grants for DEI and LGBTQ groups, redirecting funds to national security and “American values” efforts.

DHS Halts Grants for Controversial Programs, Cites Fiscal Responsibility

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the cancellation of $18.5 million in taxpayer-funded grants that were previously awarded to organizations supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and LGBTQ initiatives. The announcement was made Thursday by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who emphasized that the funds, originally allocated under the Biden administration, would be redirected to programs deemed more closely aligned with “American values” and national security priorities.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin explained, “These cancellations reflect DHS’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and national security. By eliminating wasteful and ideologically driven programs, we are redirecting resources to initiatives that uphold American values, respect the rule of law and effectively combat terrorism and violence.”

The affected grants were issued through the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), an agency division that replaced the Office of Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention in 2021. CP3’s mission was initially focused on preventing targeted violence using public health strategies, but DHS officials claim recent grants veered into funding ideologically driven groups and projects.

Among the terminated grants are $851,836 for the Eradicate Hate Global Summit, identified by DHS as a DEI-focused organization, and $209,407 to Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders, which DHS alleges promoted radical gender ideology to K-12 students, including kindergarteners.

The Biden administration had previously promoted DEI principles as a way to strengthen community resilience, but DHS leadership now contends these grants did not directly contribute to public safety or counter-terrorism.

DHS Shifts Funding Toward Security and Enforcement

This is not the first round of spending cuts targeting such initiatives. Last month, DHS announced it had rescinded an additional $1.5 million in Biden-era grants supporting similar organizations. The agency says this DOGE-like approach—mirroring other recent budget actions—will ensure that taxpayer funds support efforts that “actually protect the American people.”

Moving forward, DHS indicated all redirected funds will be used to support programs that reinforce law enforcement, combat terrorism, and uphold the rule of law. Agency spokespersons stressed that the shift is part of a broader strategy to streamline spending and enhance accountability, while eliminating grants viewed as “wasteful” or controversial.

The latest cuts are expected to generate further debate over the role of federal funding in advancing DEI and LGBTQ initiatives. For now, DHS maintains that its focus will remain on core security priorities, with resources funneled to programs that deliver measurable results in protecting the nation.