Politics

Trump Reverses Course: How Presidential Intervention Restored Millions in Counterterrorism Funding for New York

Trump reversed counterterrorism funding cuts for NY, restoring $136M after his intervention. Hochul thanked Trump.

October 3, 2025, 3:09 PM

NYPD officers in uniform and police vehicles on a city street, suggesting an active scene

Two New York Police Department officers are visible on a city street, with police vehicles in the background. By Audley C Bullock / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

President Trump intervened to reverse significant cuts to counterterrorism funding for New York.

The reversal restores $136 million, bringing New York’s total State Homeland Security funding to $187 million.

The decision followed Trump’s reported anger over the initial reductions and was lauded by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

The Story So Far

The recent restoration of counterterrorism funding for New York by President Trump came after significant initial cuts, which had generated strong opposition from state leaders like Governor Kathy Hochul. Trump’s direct intervention, reportedly fueled by anger upon learning of the reductions, reversed the decision to ensure New York has the necessary resources to combat evolving threats.

Why This Matters

President Trump’s direct intervention to reverse significant cuts in counterterrorism funding for New York, restoring $136 million to a total of $187 million, ensures crucial resources for the NYPD, FDNY, and other first responders in a high-risk target area. This move alleviates concerns among state leaders and highlights the substantial impact presidential involvement can have on federal allocations for vital security programs, even after initial agency decisions.

Who Thinks What?

President Donald Trump confirmed he reversed the cuts to Homeland Security and Counterterrorism funding for New York City and State, expressing pleasure and honor in doing so, with the Department of Homeland Security confirming the action to ensure New York has resources to combat evolving threats.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul lauded the reversal, crediting Trump for hearing their call to restore the funding, which she stated would provide $187 million for the NYPD, FDNY, and first responders across the state.

The Trump administration has reversed significant cuts to counterterrorism funding for New York, following President Donald Trump’s direct intervention after he reportedly expressed anger over the initial reductions. The move restores $136 million, bringing the total State Homeland Security funding for New York to $187 million.

Presidential Intervention

President Trump confirmed the reversal in a Truth Social post on Friday, stating, “I am pleased to advise that I reversed the cuts made to Homeland Security and Counterterrorism for New York City and State. It was my Honor to do so.” A person familiar with the situation indicated that Trump was only recently informed of the cuts, which had generated strong opposition from state leaders, and reacted with anger, ordering their immediate reversal.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the action, with a spokesperson explaining that while FEMA’s initial allocation met program requirements, the agency is now providing access to an additional $136 million. This decision was made “after consultation with federal partners and in recognition of our critical security partnership with New York,” aiming to “ensure it has the resources needed to counter and combat evolving threats,” the spokesperson added.

New York’s Response

New York Governor Kathy Hochul lauded the reversal on X, crediting President Trump for the change. “From the moment @Sec_Noem tried to defund our police and counterterrorism programs, we stood up and fought back. I’m glad that @POTUS heard our call to reverse these cuts,” Governor Hochul wrote.

She further specified that the funding would provide “$187 million for the NYPD, FDNY & first responders across the state that keep New Yorkers safe.” The initial cuts had been met with strong pushback from state leaders, including Governor Hochul, prior to the President’s intervention.

Funding for Security

The restored funding underscores the critical nature of federal support for counterterrorism efforts in New York, a region frequently cited as a high-risk target, and marks a significant turnaround after initial reductions sparked widespread concern among state officials.