Trump admin pledges $110 MILLION for security for faith-based groups in America

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Friday that DHS is awarding $110 million to over 600 faith-based organizations and nonprofits in the country for security enhancements. Noem’s announcement comes in the wake of Wednesday’s mass shooting at a Minnesota Catholic school while students were in mass.

"In the face of violent criminals and radical organizations intent on hurting American communities, the Trump Administration is helping houses of worship, schools and community centers to harden their defenses against attacks and protect themselves," Noem wrote.

The money will be administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and funds may be used for "security enhancements, like cameras, warning and alert systems, gates and lighting, access control systems and training programs for staff."

"Instead of using grant money to fund climate change initiatives and political pet projects, we are using this money to protect American communities— especially places where people gather in prayer," Noem wrote.

The DHS announced the funding earlier in August, noting that "this round of awards will be provided to a diverse array of organizations, including Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jewish affiliated institutions."

A senior DHS official said in a statement at the time, "Whether they pray in a church, a mosque or a synagogue, all Americans should be able to practice their religion without fear of terrorism and violence. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS is laser-focused on ensuring the safety of the American people. Instead of using grant money to fund climate change initiatives and political pet projects, we are using this money to protect American communities—especially places where people gather in prayer."

The $110 million is the final round of funding from the $210 million appropriated by Congress in the National Security Supplemental, with $100 million being allocated in June to over 500 Jewish faith-based organizations across the country amid rising antisemitism and attacks on Jewish people.