'Trump Is Defunding the Police': Hochul Says DHS Withholding 40% of New York's Counterterrorism Funds
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has launched a blistering attack on the Trump administration, accusing the Department of Homeland Security of withholding 40% of the state's counterterrorism funding — and translating it in "real simple terms": "Donald Trump is defunding the police."
NEW YORK – The image is striking: Governor Kathy Hochul standing before reporters, delivering a message that cuts through the political noise. "The Department of Homeland Security... is withholding 40% of New York State's counterterrorism funding," she said. "Let me translate that in real simple terms. Donald Trump is defunding the police" .
The accusation comes as New York City prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks — a somber reminder of why counterterrorism funding was created in the first place. Hochul, flanked by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and state law enforcement officials, said the state is still waiting for about $87 million in federal funds that were promised but never delivered .
What the Graphic Shows vs. What's Happening
| What the graphic suggests | What's actually happening |
|---|---|
| DHS is withholding 40% of counterterrorism funding | Yes — Hochul says $87 million of a $187 million total is still unpaid |
| Trump is "defunding the police" | Hochul's translation of the funding freeze |
| Funds were cut as retaliation | Hochul claims it's "revenge on a blue state" |
| The money is for general use | Funds pay for bomb squads, transit security, intelligence, and equipment |
The Numbers Behind the Fight
The dispute dates back to last year, when the Trump administration slashed New York's homeland security funding by 86% — a reduction of $187 million . The Washington Post reported the cuts were part of a broader effort to target Democratic states ahead of a potential government shutdown .
After a bipartisan pushback and a phone call between Hochul and Trump, the president announced on Truth Social that the funds would be restored. But Hochul says the state has received only $100 million** of the promised total — leaving **$87 million still outstanding .
The impact is tangible:
| What the funds support | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| NYPD intelligence analysts and counterterrorism unit | New York remains the "highest risk of terrorism in the nation" |
| Bomb disposal units | 12 squads across the state depend on federal support |
| FDNY radiological response equipment | Critical for potential catastrophic attacks |
| Transit security (MTA) | NYC subways and commuter rail systems are top targets |
The DHS Response: 'New York Has Failed to Spend What It Already Has'
The Department of Homeland Security has pushed back, arguing that New York has failed to spend $300 million in federal homeland security grants it has already been awarded . In a statement to CBS News, DHS said the state has traditionally received a larger share of counterterrorism funding than its "risk profile" demanded .
"Why is New York and NYC demanding even more taxpayer money when it has failed to spend hundreds of millions of dollars already provided to protect its communities?" the statement read .
Hochul's office has rejected that characterization, noting that the funding pays for specific, earmarked needs — including intelligence operations, mass gathering security, and equipment purchases — not general government accounts .
A Pattern of Political Targeting?
Hochul is not alone in her accusation. The Trump administration has a documented history of using federal funding as leverage against jurisdictions it deems hostile to its immigration policies.
In January 2026, the White House ordered federal agencies to compile data on money sent to 14 Democratic-controlled states, citing a desire to "reduce the improper and fraudulent use of those funds" . Critics called it a prelude to cutting off funding to political rivals .
The administration has also designated New York as a "sanctuary jurisdiction" — a label it uses to justify withholding funds . Previous attempts to cut funding to sanctuary cities have been blocked by federal judges, who found them unconstitutional .
The 9/11 Anniversary Factor
The timing of Hochul's remarks is significant. New York is preparing to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people in the city and led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security .
"If he refuses to release this counterterrorism funding, he's betraying every family who lost a loved one on 9/11 — along with every police officer and firefighter who keeps civilians safe," Hochul said .
What Happens Next
| Factor | Status |
|---|---|
| $87 million withheld | Hochul says the funds are still owed |
| DHS position | Says New York hasn't spent existing grants |
| Legal action | States have challenged withholding in court |
| 9/11 anniversary | Hochul's message gains emotional resonance |
The Bottom Line
The viral graphic captures a political firestorm: Governor Kathy Hochul accusing President Trump of "defunding the police" by withholding $87 million in counterterrorism funding from New York — a state she calls "the number one terrorist target in the country."
The administration counters that New York has failed to spend money it already has, and that sanctuary policies make the state a lower priority for federal support .
But for Hochul, the message is simple — and devastating: "Donald Trump is defunding the police" . With the 25th anniversary of 9/11 just days away, the accusation carries a weight that goes far beyond the usual political bickering.
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