Chaos Looms as Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over Homeless Grant Changes

The Trump administration retracted proposed changes to a $3 billion homeless support grant program following lawsuits. The changes, targeting transgender and minority groups, conflicted with existing laws. A Rhode Island judge criticized the administration for its abrupt policy shift, which risked substantial displacement and funding loss.

The Trump administration has temporarily rolled back sweeping changes to a $3 billion grant program designed to assist homeless people, following multiple lawsuits from states, cities, and non-profit organizations. The changes, announced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, aimed at redirecting funding priorities and restricting grants for certain groups.

In response to legal actions, the administration withdrew adjustments to the Continuum of Care grant program, which included funding limitations on permanent housing and exclusions for organizations focusing on transgender communities. The decision was made just an hour before U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy was set to consider a halt on these changes.

Judge McElroy criticized the abrupt nature of the policy shift, pointing out the resulting confusion and potential waste of court resources. The legal grievances highlight tensions with the administration's policies, proposing severe consequences for numerous vulnerable individuals reliant on these services.

(With inputs from agencies.)