New York Governor Criticizes Trump Administration Over Counterterrorism Funding

As the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks approaches, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has criticized the administration of former President Donald Trump. She accused the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of withholding a significant portion of New York State’s counterterrorism funding.

During a press conference, Hochul claimed, “The Department of Homeland Security, the agency created in response to 9/11, is withholding 40% of New York State’s counterterrorism funding.” This percentage represents an estimated $87 million.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the issue on August 31, 2026, during a public meeting in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

The Democratic governor accused the former president of defunding the police and putting public safety at risk. She urged the release of the withheld funds, stating, “Don’t play political games with people’s lives. Release the $87 million dollars you owe us.” She emphasized that failure to release the funds would be a betrayal to families affected by 9/11 and to first responders who risk their lives daily.

In response to the claimed withholding, Homeland Security’s former Head Tom Homan countered recent criticisms from Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who accused the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency of aggressive tactics.

During another event on August 31, 2026, Trump discussed healthcare matters in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C. (Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)

Despite repeated requests, the White House and DHS did not comment on these accusations.

Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City, expressed disappointment over unmet funding promises. He said, “The federal government’s refusal to provide $87 million dollars in critical public safety and emergency readiness funding that was promised is so unacceptable.” He detailed the necessity of this funding for bomb squad operations and emergency response coordination within the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).

In a separate development, retired officers from the Port Authority advised Mamdani and Hochul to refrain from visiting Ground Zero on 9/11, reflecting tension surrounding the ongoing funding debate.

Zohran Mamdani addressed the press after an incident in Times Square on August 31, 2026. (Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Acknowledging these financial challenges, Mamdani underlined the importance of equipping first responders to handle radiological threats effectively. Without these funds, New York City faces the burden of inadequate federal support for its security needs.

Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report as a writer for Fox News Digital.