Trump Pulls $11 Million in Funding for Catholic Charities
The Trump Administration has moved to terminate roughly $11 million in federal funding for Catholic Charities USA, a decision that could shutter a long-standing migrant services program and intensify an already heated debate over immigration policy and taxpayer spending.
According to reporting by the Miami Herald, the administration “abruptly canceled an $11 million contract with Catholic Charities” that helped “shelter and care for illegal alien children who enter the U.S. alone.”
The funding supported services including temporary housing, foster care placement, and legal assistance for unaccompanied minors—efforts that have been in place for decades through partnerships between the federal government and faith-based organizations. A separate report by WSVN-TV noted the program traces its roots to Cold War-era humanitarian efforts and has served thousands of children.
The move is part of a broader push by the administration to reassess federal spending tied to immigration-related nonprofits. During a prior briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “It is the responsibility of this president… to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.”
Leavitt also suggested the cuts were intentional and policy-driven, stating, “I am actually quite certain that the president signed an executive order that did just that.”
Supporters of the decision argue that taxpayer funds should not be used in ways that could incentivize illegal immigration or conflict with federal enforcement priorities. Administration officials have indicated that additional funding reviews—and possible cuts—could follow.
But the decision has drawn sharp criticism from Catholic leaders and immigration advocates. Thomas Wenski called the move “baffling,” warning it would have immediate consequences for vulnerable populations.
In a written statement, Wenski said the program “has been stripped of funding and will be forced to shut down within three months,” raising concerns about what will happen to the children currently in care.
Critics argue that ending the funding could leave thousands without access to basic services and disrupt long-standing public-private partnerships. Supporters counter that nonprofits receiving federal dollars must align with national policy priorities.
Why were we giving money to Catholic Charities in the first place? If the Catholics want to provide charity, it should come from their parishioners. Same for the Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians and any other religious denomination. It is not the government’s place to give my tax money to any religious organizations.
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