Reuters Exclusive: Trump administration slashed federal funding for gun violence prevention

Another headline, another gut punch to those of us on the frontlines of community health and school safety: the news that the Trump administration slashed federal funding for gun violence prevention. More than half of all federal funding—$158 million in grants—gone, wiping out vital community violence intervention (CVI) programs in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, DC, and Baltimore.

What Happens When Funding Is Cut?

Community violence doesn’t suddenly stop because a grant ends. Instead, local programs are forced to scale back, frontline staff are laid off, and the “deadliest time of year” for youth—summer—suddenly gets more dangerous. We know that gun violence continues to be the leading cause of death for American children and teens. Slashing support undermines the mission held by every school nurse and community prevention worker.

Federal officials say these cuts are about “aligning funds with priorities.” But the message is unmistakable: Prevention is not a national priority of this administration. How do they explain that funding our children/teens’ safety no longer aligns with government goals? This is the same administration that shut down the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention on day one of the Trump administration; January 20, 2025. This is something we simply cannot accept. 

The Ripple Effects: What Our Students Lose

Let’s be clear about what’s being dismantled:

• Conflict mediation teams and outreach workers who defuse violence before it spills over into our hallways.

• Hospital-based intervention staff working directly with gunshot victims to break cycles of retaliation.

• Trauma-informed programs offering support to students and families deeply affected by shootings.

When funds are cut, these essential connections disappear.

Our Role: Advocacy in the Face of Apathy

School nurses rarely have the luxury of looking away from hard truths, especially when policy decisions place children at risk. We must continue advocating and organizing for moments like these: when the government steps back, we step up our voices and actions.

What can we do right now?

• Share our stories: Speak concretely about what these programs meant for your school. Data matters—but so do personal accounts: the student who stayed in class because a mentor intervened, the lockdown that ended safely, the family that received help rather than stigma.

• Hold policymakers accountable: Remind them that the needs and crises do not vanish when funding disappears. Attend school board meetings, send letters to local newspapers, and partner with community groups.

• Embrace collaboration: School nurses, educators, and community advocates can create real, lasting change by working together. Our mutual support strengthens our energy and multiplies our impact.

An Ongoing Commitment

To every school nurse and advocate: Persistence is about vision. We imagine a safer future for our students and are willing to lead, especially when leadership is needed most. This is the moment to turn frustration into advocacy and disappointment into action.

Our work continues. If you have a story about how violence prevention funding made a difference in your school, I encourage you to share your perspective. Our collective voices are most powerful together, and now is exactly when our advocacy matters most. My email is relentlessschoolnurse@gmail.com, and I am here to amplify your voices!