UPDATE: New York officials are pushing back HARD against President Donald Trump’s latest threat to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities, including New York City. Just hours after Trump announced that federal payments could be halted starting February 1, Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared, “Our values and our laws are not bargaining chips.”
This urgent battle comes as the Trump administration aims to intimidate cities like New York into compliance, but officials are standing firm. “I’ve reached out to President Trump. We haven’t yet connected,” Mamdani stated, emphasizing his commitment to advocate for the city’s needs.
Governor Kathy Hochul responded fiercely, pledging that New York will not succumb to intimidation tactics. “You touch any more money from the state of New York, we’ll see you in court,” she warned, demonstrating the state’s readiness to fight back against these threats.
Trump’s remarks on Tuesday indicated that the federal government intends to cease funding to sanctuary jurisdictions, a move that could impact approximately $8 billion allocated annually to New York City and around $90 billion to the state. These funds are crucial for housing, public health, education, and emergency management.
Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, expressed skepticism about the administration’s threats, noting that past statements have often failed to lead to actual funding cuts. “What we’ve learned over the last year is that the initial statements do not reflect the reality more often than not,” Rein stated.
However, he stressed that preparation is vital if these funding cuts proceed. “You work with your partners, you work through the courts,” he advised, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in navigating the potential fallout from federal budget decisions.
Amidst this uncertainty, Mayor Mamdani reassured New Yorkers that his administration is prepared to tackle these challenges head-on. “I am proud of the team that we have to be able to respond to these kinds of threats,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to a broader agenda beyond just defense.
As the countdown to February 1 continues, New Yorkers are left awaiting what could potentially be a significant shift in their funding landscape. The stakes are high, and the impact on city services and residents could be profound.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. The battle between New York officials and the Trump administration over federal funding is just heating up, and it has the potential to reshape the city’s financial future.
