Trump promised a sex-trafficking crackdown. His Justice Department hasn't delivered.

 The Trump administration has repeatedly said the fight against sex trafficking is one of its top priorities.

A new banner depicting U.S. President Donald Trump is put up on the Department of Justice building in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 20, 2026.

• Summary

• Sex-trafficking prosecutions are down significantly so far this year, court records show
• Prosecutors, agents say probes are hampered by staffing shortages, funding cuts and Trump's immigration focus
• Administration officials say sex-trafficking investigations remain a high priority

WASHINGTON, Aug 13 (Reuters) - The Trump administration has repeatedly said the fight against sex trafficking is one of its top priorities.

But investigations have stalled and prosecutions declined in the past six months because of staffing shortages, funding cuts, immigration enforcement and growing distrust of the government among victims, according to Reuters interviews with 25 former prosecutors, current agents and victims’ advocates, and a review of federal court records.

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