Governor Hochul Calls on the Trump Administration to Stop Defunding the Police and Deliver the $87 Million in Federal Counterterrorism Funds Still Owed to New York

Governor Kathy Hochul today called on President Trump and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to fully fund New York’s counterterrorism efforts by releasing the $87 million in federal funds still owed to New York. Last year, the Trump Administration cut critical counterterrorism and homeland security funding in New York State by 86 percent, or $187 million. Governor Hochul fought this reckless cut by appealing directly to President Trump, who promised to fully restore New York State’s funding. After nearly one year of waiting, New York State is still owed $87 million to support intelligence operations, transit hub security, and equipment, training, and preparedness for sheriffs and police departments across the state.

“By holding this funding hostage, the Trump Administration is defunding the police,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State continues to be the nation’s number one terrorist target – and if President Trump and Secretary Mullin really care about public safety, they should stop playing games and fully fund our vital counterterrorism efforts.”.

The funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), supports local law enforcement and regional homeland security preparedness efforts, including intelligence operations, mass gathering security, planning, equipment purchases, and training critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response and recovery capabilities. HSGP was created in 2003 in the aftermath of 9/11 and comprises three separate grants –– the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) and Operation Stonegarden. Under SHSP and UASI, 80 percent of the funding is allocated to local entities while 20 percent is reserved for state projects. New York State received cuts to both its SHSP and UASI allocations.

Following an extended delay in 2025, DHS released the 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity for HSGP, giving states the ability to access this critical funding. However, despite being the nation’s number one terrorist target, New York’s allocation was cut by 40 percent ($87 million). Then, without notice nor explanation, New York was cut an additional $100 million when DHS issued the awards on September 27, 2025. After dogged advocacy by Governor Hochul, President Trump committed to reversing these misguided cuts in October of 2025, when he stated on Truth Social that he was “…pleased to advise that [he] reversed the cuts made to Homeland Security and Counterterrorism for New York City and State. It was [his] Honor to do so. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Almost one year later, New York State has only received $100 million of the amount owed following an order by a federal judge, with nearly $87 million outstanding.

Specifically, access to the remaining $87 million would ensure full funding of:

• The NYPD’s intelligence analysts and counterterrorism unit;
• The FDNY’s interoperable communication and radiological response capabilities;
• Joint Task Force Empire Shield which is responsible for the New York National Guard presence in transit hubs.
• New York State’s 12 certified bomb squads; and
• Equipment purchases, training, exercises and preparedness efforts for counties, sheriffs and local police departments.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Terry O’Leary said, “Governor Hochul has made record investments in the State’s emergency preparedness and counterterrorism efforts, but New York State cannot do this alone. Having a commitment from our federal partners to fight terrorism is critical when it comes to the State's preparedness capabilities, and any further delay in fully funding these efforts is putting the safety and security of all New Yorkers at risk.”

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, “Donald Trump repeatedly claimed to be the law-and-order President. Instead, he has visited lawlessness and disorder upon the American people. As part of that effort, his extreme Department of Homeland Security is withholding $87 million in critical counterterrorism funding and putting the lives of 20 million New Yorkers at risk. Safety should not be a political bargaining chip. As we encounter new and sophisticated terror threats from foreign and domestic actors, it is essential that our state has the federal funding necessary to protect hardworking American taxpayers. I am proud to stand with Governor Kathy Hochul in holding the administration accountable for playing petty political games with the safety and security of New Yorkers.”

Representative Grace Meng said, "There is no excuse for cutting public safety funding in New York. As a destination for some of the nation's most significant national and international events, our city depends on NYPD and FDNY first responders being fully equipped to protect New Yorkers from any potential terrorist threat. The Trump Administration must restore every counterterrorism dollar so that the 20 million New Yorkers who trust our law enforcement to keep them safe can have confidence they will be protected in an emergency."

Representative Tim Kennedy said, “As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I know firsthand how critical this funding is to keeping our communities safe from evolving threats, and I’ve worked tirelessly to protect these FEMA funds from the moment this president started playing political games with them. Western New York and our entire state depends on these federal resources, and another broken promise from President Trump puts that safety and security at risk. Erie and Niagara Counties stand to lose essential funding that supports our local police departments' training, equipment, and preparedness efforts. President Trump gave his word that these cuts would be reversed. It's past time for his administration to deliver on that promise and give New York the resources needed to protect our communities.”

Representative Joe Morelle said, “To no one’s surprise, Donald Trump made a promise to the people of New York, and nearly a year later, hestill hasn’t kept it. Playing political games with critical counterterrorism funding puts our law enforcement officers and the communities they protect at risk. Donald Trump needs to stop making excuses, keep his word, and deliver every dollar New York was promised.”

Representative Dan Goldman said, "With the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks approaching next week, it is outrageous that President Trump continues to withhold counterterrorism funding for New York City that has already been appropriated by Congress. Trump may view the country in reds and blues, but our enemies do not. New York is still the top terrorist target in the country and relies on our counterterrorism efforts to keep its residents safe. The President must end these political games and release the funding immediately."

Representative George Latimer said, "I commend Governor Hochul for prioritizing the safety of New Yorkers by opposing the Trump Administration’s decision to withhold $87 million in critical funding for counterterrorism programs. As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and with threats of terrorism on the rise, it goes without saying that these critical counterterrorism funds must be delivered to New York and not held hostage to ego-driven politics."

Representative John Manion said, “Public safety and homeland security should never be politicized. Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oneida, and Onondaga counties are still owed nearly half a million dollars for equipment, training, emergency preparedness, and other critical work that keeps our communities safe. I stand with Governor Hochul in demanding that the Trump Administration stop playing games and release every dollar that’s been promised.”

Representative Jerry Nadler said, "Donald Trump's broken promises and petty partisan games risk millions of New Yorkers' safety and security. His administration has already admitted to withholding necessary disaster aid funding from states perceived as his political rivals, including New York, and now it is withholding crucial counterterrorism funding. I commend Governor Hochul for her work to keep New Yorkers safe by ensuring the full funding is delivered to our communities in NY-12 and across New York State."

Senator Kristen Gillibrand said, "President Trump is using New Yorkers as political pawns once again. New York is the leading terrorist target in the nation. As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, defunding our law enforcement and counterterrorism operations is especially egregious and unsafe. I will keep fighting to ensure New Yorkers are protected and our state receives the funding it needs to keep us all safe.”

New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell said, “Counterterrorism funding is a critical part of that work, supporting the intelligence, training, planning, and coordination that strengthens our emergency preparedness across the city. New York City has shown time and again that we are ready to meet the moment, and we need our federal partners to uphold their commitment and provide the resources necessary to keep New Yorkers safe.”

The City of Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said, “New York’s counterterrorism efforts are a critical part of keeping our communities safe, and the federal government has a responsibility to provide the resources necessary to sustain that work. Yonkers is at risk to lose $1 million in funding, that supports the training, preparedness, equipment and counterintelligence capabilities that our law enforcement professionals rely on to identify threats and protect our residents. We urge the federal government to release these funds in full and without further delay. Yonkers and communities across New York should not have to wait for the resources they have earned and need to keep our families safe.”

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Westchester County stands with Governor Hochul in demanding the Trump Administration release the $87 million in federal counterterrorism funding that is owed to New York State. This funding is real and tangible – and directly supports the Westchester County Departments of Public Safety and Emergency Services. These dollars help ensure our law enforcement officers and emergency responders have the resources, training, equipment and intelligence they need to protect our communities to the best of their ability. At a time when we are facing real threats, withholding critical counterterrorism funds is simply unacceptable. We demand the Trump Administration restore our funding, and put public safety ahead of politics.”

Senator Charles Schumer said, "On the eve of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, it is offensive, dangerous, and stupid for the Trump administration not to fully fund New York’s counterterrorism funding. New York remains target #1 for those who seek to harm America and cutting this Homeland Security funding undermines New York’s ability to prevent, respond to, and mitigate acts of terror. These resources give NYPD and other law enforcement the tools they need to do everything possible to keep New Yorkers safe. The Trump administration must restore and fully fund these essential resources to ensure New York has the tools it needs to protect the homeland and those visiting here.”

New York State continues to be the nation’s number one terrorist target and just underwent a historic summer of mass gathering events with the FIFA World Cup, International Naval Review, America 250 celebrations, and New York Knicks’ championship run and parade. This required an unprecedented safety and security preparedness effort coordinated with State and City officials to ensure the safety and security of all New Yorkers and visitors. If the federal government refuses to fully fund the State’s counterterrorism efforts, it puts future planning, coordination and security at risk.

UASI Funding Cut

In New York, UASI funding is reserved for jurisdictions within the New York City metropolitan areas to sustain and enhance critical anti-terrorism and intelligence sharing programs. Allocations are determined by New York’s Urban Area Working Group (UAWG) which is comprised of New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, the City of Yonkers and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Estimated UASI Cuts by UAWG Member:

SHSP Cut

In New York, SHSP funding is directed to every county and the City of New York to support planning, equipment purchases, training, and other homeland security initiatives. Funding distributions are formula based and ensure funding goes to every county in New York State.

Estimated SHSP Cuts by County: