Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Thursday accused the Trump administration of holding back $87 million in federal counterterrorism money earmarked for the city. The pair warned that the absence of the funds could weaken bomb‑squad capabilities and limit emergency‑management operations across New York.
The claim was made as the city marked the one‑year anniversary of a federal promise to reverse earlier cuts to counterterrorism assistance. At that time, officials said the administration would restore funding to support local law‑enforcement and emergency agencies tasked with responding to terrorist threats. According to Hochul and Mamdani, the promised money has not yet arrived.
The $87 million figure represents the amount the city expects to receive to maintain and upgrade equipment, training and staffing for specialized units that handle explosives, hazardous materials and coordinated emergency response. City officials said that without the infusion, bomb squads may face delays in acquiring critical tools, while emergency‑management teams could experience shortfalls in resources needed for rapid deployment during crises.
Federal officials have not publicly responded to the accusations as of the filing of this report. The dispute highlights a broader tension between state and local leaders and the federal government over the allocation of counterterrorism resources. Both Hochul and Mamdani emphasized that timely delivery of the funds is essential to keep New York prepared for potential terrorist incidents.
The situation unfolds amid ongoing national discussions about the adequacy of federal support for municipal security programs. New York City, which has historically received significant counterterrorism assistance, is now seeking clarification on when, if at all, the $87 million will be transferred to local agencies.
The governor and mayor indicated they will continue to press the federal government for the pending funds, stressing the importance of uninterrupted financial support for the city’s safety infrastructure.