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Trump Administration Cancels $11 Million Contract with Catholic Charities

4/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration canceled an $11 million federal contract with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami.
The charity has cared for unaccompanied migrant children for more than 60 years.
The move comes amid tensions with Pope Leo XIV and could close the charity within three months, as the number of children in care drops from 22,000 to 1,900.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski called the decision baffling.

History

Historical Context

In 2018, the U.S. government canceled an $11 million contract with Catholic Charities, which had provided vital services to unaccompanied migrant children for over 60 years. This decision highlighted ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and religious organizations amid immigration policy debates, reflecting a broader struggle over the role of faith-based charities in government-funded social services.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration canceled an $11 million federal contract with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami.
The charity has cared for unaccompanied migrant children for more than 60 years.
The move comes amid tensions with Pope Leo XIV and could close the charity within three months, as the number of children in care drops from 22,000 to 1,900.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski called the decision baffling.

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