Trump budget poses ‘existential threat’ to NYC homeland security, Dems warn
A group of House Democrats from New York are sounding the alarm on President Donald Trump’s proposed budget, claiming that it could leave major cities like New York vulnerable to massive terror attacks. In a letter addressed to the House Appropriations Committee, the Democrats expressed grave concerns about the potential impact of the budget on homeland security.
The letter, signed by New York City Democratic Reps. Ritchie Torres, Yvette Clarke, Gregory Meeks, Dan Goldman, and Jerry Nadler, warned that the proposed budget cuts could severely hamper emergency response capabilities in the city. They argued that the cuts to homeland security grants would significantly weaken the FDNY’s emergency management capacity and reduce the NYPD’s counterterrorism efforts to a fraction of what they were post-9/11.
The budget proposal, released by the White House for fiscal year 2026, aims to slash $163 billion in non-defense discretionary government spending. This includes cuts to programs like the State Homeland Security Grant program and the Urban Areas Security Initiative, which are crucial for bolstering the nation’s defenses against terrorism. The lawmakers estimated that New York City could lose $45 million in homeland security grants under the proposed budget.
The Democrats emphasized that terrorism remains a real and persistent threat, with seven terrorist plots uncovered in the first half of 2025 alone. They highlighted the role of New York City’s police and fire departments in providing assistance to jurisdictions across the country, underscoring the importance of maintaining robust homeland security funding.
While the White House defended its budget proposal, stating that DHS remains dedicated to preventing another 9/11 with targeted investments, Democrats and other critics remain skeptical. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, warned that the proposed cuts could jeopardize national security.
As lawmakers continue to negotiate the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year, the fate of homeland security funding remains uncertain. With Republicans in control of Washington, Democrats are urging for bipartisan cooperation to ensure that vital programs are not decimated in the pursuit of budget cuts.
In the face of mounting national debt and ongoing security threats, the debate over federal spending and homeland security funding is likely to intensify in the coming months. It remains to be seen how Congress will address these challenges and prioritize the safety and security of the American people.
