Organizations Addressing Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Sue Trump Administration Over Funding Limitations

Over 20 nonprofit organizations that receive federal grants aimed at helping victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding new funding requirements. The plaintiffs, which include notable organizations like the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, voice serious concerns that recent changes made by the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Health and Human Services (HHS) jeopardize their ability to provide essential services. Some organizations risk losing significant federal funding as a result of these modifications. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, asserts that the new restrictions hinder rather than enhance the organizations’ capacity to serve vulnerable populations.

The lawsuit claims these measures are primarily designed to further ideological objectives of the administration, such as promoting traditional norms concerning gender identity and limiting access to abortion resources. In March, HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced imposing new conditions on funds distributed through the Continuum of Care program aimed at addressing homelessness. These conditions evolve from several executive orders put forth by President Trump during the onset of his presidency, which include limiting the government’s acknowledgment of gender identity and deeming diversity initiatives illegal. Similar measures affecting HHS and its divisions have placed conditions on vital programs related to domestic violence and sexual abuse claims.

These new requirements obligate organizations to reject what the administration labels as “gender ideology” and to affirm compliance with existing federal antidiscrimination laws. Failing to do so could expose them to severe liabilities under the False Claims Act, leading to an untenable dilemma for the organizations: either accept the conditions, alter their core missions, or decline funding and potentially cease operations that support at-risk communities. Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, represents some of the plaintiffs and emphasizes that the new policy endangers the welfare of marginalized individuals. The lawsuit seeks to permanently block these funding conditions, arguing that they overstep the government’s authority and conflict with established federal policies that enforce nondiscrimination regulations.