Hosted Event Announcing Grant Funding for Human Trafficking Victims

On 04/08/2020, Ivanka Trump joined U.S. Attorney General William Barr to announce that the Department of Justice had awarded more than $35 million in federal grants dedicated specifically to housing support for victims of human trafficking. The funding totaled $35,104,338 and was distributed to 73 organizations across 33 states, marking a targeted effort to address one of the most immediate needs faced by survivors transitioning out of exploitation. The grants were designed to provide up to 24 months of transitional or short-term housing assistance. This included financial support for rent, utilities, and security deposits, enabling survivors to secure stable living conditions. The initiative aimed to reduce the risk of re-victimization, particularly in cases where individuals lacking housing stability might otherwise be vulnerable to returning to exploitative situations. Officials described housing access as a critical factor in breaking cycles of trafficking and supporting long-term recovery. The housing-focused funding formed part of a broader Department of Justice commitment in 2020, which allocated over $100 million toward combating human trafficking nationwide. This larger investment supported law enforcement task forces, victim services, and prevention programs addressing both sex and labor trafficking. The announcement took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period when public health restrictions had intensified challenges for vulnerable populations. Ivanka Trump noted during the announcement that some trafficking victims faced increased risk due to stay-at-home orders, with reports indicating that certain individuals were forced to remain in close proximity to traffickers. The funding was positioned as a response to these heightened risks by expanding access to safe housing options. Earlier in 2020, Ivanka Trump participated in related anti-trafficking efforts, including a visit to survivor support centers in Atlanta, Georgia, in January, where she met with service providers and individuals affected by trafficking. That same month, she was involved in organizing a White House event marking the 20th anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. In June 2020, she also appeared at the U.S. Department of State alongside Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for the release of the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, which assesses global efforts to combat trafficking. #HumanTrafficking #DOJ #IvankaTrump #WilliamBarr #VictimSupport