New York Gov. Kathy Hochul accused the Trump administration of "defunding the police" and "withholding" millions of dollars in counterterrorism funding from the state, asserting that the Department of Homeland Security is holding back 40% of New York's allocated funds.
During a press conference, Hochul stated that the withheld amount totals $87 million. She directed her remarks toward President Donald Trump, urging him to release the funds and accusing him of "endangering public safety to yet again extract revenge on a blue state."
"Don't play political games with people's lives. Release the $87 million dollars you owe us," Hochul said. She further contended that failure to release the funding would be a betrayal of "every family that lost someone on 9/11," every police officer and firefighter, and "every New Yorker who no longer believes that the federal government is there to protect them."
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani echoed Hochul's concerns, calling the federal government's refusal to provide the promised funds "unacceptable." Mamdani detailed how the $87 million is critical for public safety and emergency readiness, noting it would fully fund 12 bomb squads across New York, ensure the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) can communicate and respond effectively during a catastrophic attack, and provide first responders with the necessary training and equipment for radiological threats.
"To put it simply, there is no excuse for the federal government to leave the nation's largest city to shoulder this burden alone," Mamdani stated.
The accusations come as the state prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and the DHS for comment.
