President Donald J. Trump announced Friday that he had reversed cuts to Homeland Security and counterterrorism funding for New York City and New York State, ensuring critical resources for police and firefighters in the nation’s top terror target.
“I am pleased to advise that I reversed the cuts made to Homeland Security and Counterterrorism for New York City and State. It was my Honor to do so,” Trump posted, without elaborating further.
The decision releases $187 million for New York’s police officers and firefighters. While Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, welcomed the move, Republicans argued it was further evidence that the administration should never have allowed national security to become entangled with political disputes in the first place.
“From the moment @Sec_Noem tried to defund our police and counterterrorism programs, we stood up and fought back,” Hochul posted on X, crediting her own resistance. “I’m glad that @POTUS heard our call to reverse these cuts.”
Representative Mike Lawler, a Republican who represents a competitive district in New York, praised the President for acting decisively. He said the initial move to slash the funds “was unacceptable and posed a direct threat to the safety of New Yorkers.”
“New York remains the number one target for terrorism, and we cannot let politics put lives at risk,” Lawler said in a statement. He described the restoration of funds as “a major win for our state and a testament to what we can achieve when we work together to push back on misguided decisions.”
The reversal followed a lawsuit New York filed earlier in the week over a $34 million federal grant for transit security that had been frozen.
The state alleged that the Trump administration blocked the money because New York officials refused to devote law enforcement resources to immigration enforcement. A federal judge temporarily blocked the funding cuts on Wednesday.
Despite the restoration of counterterrorism dollars, the administration has maintained pressure on New York in other areas. On Wednesday, officials announced a freeze on $18 billion in federal funding for infrastructure projects in New York City, citing concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
The administration also canceled nearly $8 billion in funding for green energy projects nationwide, a move that included New York among more than a dozen affected states.
The contrasting actions highlight the administration’s approach: protecting essential national security spending while challenging progressive spending priorities that have become synonymous with New York’s political leadership. Conservatives see the distinction as vital.
The President’s decision to secure police and firefighter funding, they argue, demonstrates his commitment to public safety even as he resists funneling federal dollars toward policies that emphasize identity politics or climate programs with little accountability.
For New York, the release of counterterrorism funds is no small matter. With its dense population and symbolic stature, the city has long been a top target for terrorists. Lawmakers of both parties recognize that cutting funds for police and transit security puts the public at risk. Trump’s announcement on Friday — that it was his “Honor” to restore those resources — underscored his readiness to prioritize safety over politics.
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