Religious leaders, lawmakers push for $1 billion to secure houses of worship : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-05-24 07:00:00 — www.npr.org
Trump’s Misleading Statements on Religious Security Funding
In a recent push for increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), Jewish leaders and advocates have highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security measures at houses of worship. This comes in the wake of tragic incidents, including a shooting at a San Diego mosque that left three dead. Amidst this backdrop, former President Donald Trump has made several misleading statements regarding the program and its accessibility to various religious communities.
Advocacy for Increased Funding
At a Shabbat service in West Bloomfield, Michigan, Rabbi Jen Lader emphasized the importance of the NSGP, stating, “We are not asking Congress to just protect Jews – we are asking Congress to protect every community of Americans that gathers to pray.” This sentiment was echoed by Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, who remarked, “It’s tragic that we have to be thinking about this in the same way that TSA protects airports and businesses protect their premises, but we have to.”
Over 400 Jewish leaders traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for increased funding for the NSGP, which provides financial support for security enhancements at nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship. The program has been crucial in preventing violence, as highlighted by Rabbi Lader, who noted that the lack of fatalities during a recent attack on her congregation was due to their security measures.
Trump’s Claims and Misinformation
In a statement regarding the NSGP, Trump claimed, “Under my administration, we ensured that all religious groups had equal access to security funding.” However, this assertion has been challenged by various community leaders. Robert McCaw, government affairs director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), expressed skepticism about the accessibility of these funds for Muslim organizations, stating, “I don’t think that guarantee exists under the Trump administration.” This sentiment reflects concerns that the previous administration may have inadvertently created barriers for certain religious groups seeking funding.
Furthermore, FEMA has clarified that there were no restrictions placed on NSGP funds for Muslim groups, asserting, “Under President Trump, the Department of Homeland Security is committed to protecting all Americans, no matter their faith, from terrorism and targeted violence.” This statement contradicts the fears expressed by community leaders who felt that applying for these grants could lead to unwanted scrutiny or investigations.
Impact of Misinformation
The impact of misleading statements about the NSGP has been significant, influencing public perception and behavior. Many religious leaders have expressed fear about the safety of their congregations, with Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) noting, “I’ve got religious leaders constantly calling me and saying, ‘I’m scared. My parishioners are scared.'” This anxiety is compounded by the fact that only about 33% of NSGP applications were awarded funding in the last fiscal year, leaving many houses of worship without the necessary resources to enhance their security.
Conclusion
The ongoing dialogue surrounding the NSGP and its funding highlights the critical need for transparency and accessibility in federal programs designed to protect religious communities. As advocates continue to push for increased funding, it is essential to address the misinformation that can hinder these efforts. Ensuring that all communities feel safe and supported in their places of worship is paramount, and accurate information is key to achieving that goal.