WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has reversed course on planned cuts too counterterrorism funding for New York, restoring $34 million earmarked to protect the state’s transportation system. The decision comes after a district judge blocked the federal government from diverting the funds and following warnings from New York Governor Kathy Hochul that the cuts would increase vulnerability to terrorist attacks.
The reversal marks a shift after the administration initially threatened to cut 86% of homeland security funding to New York, a move Governor Hochul warned earlier this week “serves only to make not just New York but all of America more vulnerable to terrorist attacks.” A district judge echoed those concerns on Wednesday, citing the 9/11 attacks and ongoing threats, in issuing the injunction against diverting the $34 million.
While the administration had threatened New York and other “blue states” with consequences during the recent government shutdown, cuts to counterterrorism funding predated the shutdown itself. white House budget chief Russell Vought had announced Wednesday that funding for two major New York City construction projects – the Hudson Tunnel Project and the Second Avenue Subway - would be paused during the shutdown.
The restored funding specifically protects New York’s transportation system from terrorist attacks, according to the Associated Press. The administration’s initial move to cut funding raised concerns about the prioritization of counterterrorism efforts, especially given New York city’s history as a target.
