According to sources, the program known as "Countering Violent Extremism" (CVE) is set to be rebranded as "Countering Islamic Extremism" or "Countering Radical Islamic Extremism." This change would align with President Trump's campaign rhetoric and criticism of former President Obama for not using the term "radical Islam" in reference to groups like the Islamic State. The CVE program, which aims to prevent attacks through community partnerships and counter-messaging campaigns, has been effective in targeting various extremist groups, including white supremacists. However, some supporters of the program are concerned that the rebranding could hinder trust with Muslim communities, especially following Trump's recent executive order on travel restrictions from predominantly Muslim countries. The CVE program, which targets US residents and is distinct from a military effort to combat extremism online, has faced criticism for being ineffective. A source who has collaborated closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the program revealed that members of the Trump transition team proposed changing the name and focus of the program during a meeting with a CVE task force in December. At a recent meeting attended by senior staff for DHS Secretary John Kelly, government employees were questioned about their selection of community organizations to receive grants from the CVE program. Despite Congress appropriating funding for CVE and grant recipients being notified during the final days of the Obama administration, the money may not be distributed as Kelly is currently reviewing the situation. The department declined to comment on the matter. The White House did not provide a comment in response to a request. The program has been criticized by some Republicans in Congress who believe it is politically correct and ineffective. They argue that focusing on "radical Islam" as the cause of violent attacks would improve deterrence efforts. However, others believe that labeling the issue as "radical Islam" would alienate the peaceful Muslim community. Many community groups have also expressed concerns that the program could be used for surveillance by law enforcement. Hoda Hawa, from the Muslim Public Affairs Council, was informed by sources within the Department of Homeland Security that there is a plan to shift the focus of the CVE effort from all forms of violent ideology to specifically Islamist extremism. "That is a cause for concern for us because they are singling out a religious group and subjecting it to suspicion," she stated. Another individual familiar with the situation was informed last week by a DHS official that a name change was in the works. Three other sources, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned that such plans had been talked about but it was unclear if they had been finalized. During the Obama administration, efforts were made to build relationships with community organizations to involve them in the fight against terrorism. In 2016, Congress allocated $10 million in grants for CVE efforts and DHS awarded the initial grants on Jan. 13, just a week before Trump took office. Approved entities include local governments, city police departments, universities, and non-profit organizations. Grants were also awarded to groups working to combat Islamic State recruitment, such as Life After Hate, which helps former neo-Nazis and domestic extremists. Recent violent incidents, including a white supremacist attack in Charleston and Islamist militant attacks in California, Florida, and New York, have highlighted the need for this funding. One organization, Leaders Advancing & Helping Communities, declined a $500,000 grant from the DHS, according to an email seen by Reuters. The email, sent last Thursday, stated that LAHC has decided to reject the award due to the current political situation and reasons for worry. This decision was made before Trump's immigration order was announced, which was criticized for discriminating against Muslims. The White House defended the order as a means to safeguard Americans from potential terrorist threats posed by foreign nationals.