U.S. President Donald Trump disembarks Air Force One at John F. Kennedy International Airport ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, in New York, U.S., September 22, 2025. Reuters/Al Drago
President Donald Trump backed down on his move to gut New York City's counterterrorism funding, facing warnings it could "blow up in his face."
Trump and his administration slashed the city's counterterrorism funding in late September and early October, reducing federal support by $187 million, or 86%, from prior levels. The funding cuts were met with fierce criticism from New York officials, who warned the city and state would be vulnerable to attack. Both Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) and the NYPD commissioner called the move a threat to public safety.
On Friday, Trump backed off the move, writing on his Truth Social platform, "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."