NY Democrats say Trump’s proposed budget cuts would weaken terror defenses and risk New York’s security.

Lawmakers Warn of Risks from Homeland Security Grant Reductions

A coalition of New York House Democrats is raising alarm over President Donald Trump’s latest federal budget proposal, contending it would leave major cities like New York dangerously exposed to terrorism. In a letter to Congressional appropriators, Representatives Ritchie Torres, Yvette Clarke, Gregory Meeks, Dan Goldman, and Jerry Nadler argued that the administration’s plan would gut homeland security grants essential for the city’s preparedness and response capabilities.

The lawmakers called the proposed cuts an “existential threat” to New York City’s safety, warning that the reductions could diminish the Fire Department’s emergency management and reduce the New York Police Department’s counterterrorism resources to “a shell of its former self.” They estimate New York could lose $45 million in grant funding if the budget is enacted, with national programs like the State Homeland Security Grant Program and the Urban Areas Security Initiative facing significant reductions.

“The Trump budget is an act of national self-sabotage,” the group wrote. “In just the first half of 2025, we have seen seven terrorist plots—roughly one per month. Twenty-four years after the 9/11 attacks, the threat of terrorism remains as real as ever.” They further emphasized that New York’s police and fire departments often support emergency efforts across the country, and that federal homeland security grants enable nationwide mutual aid and coordination among states.

White House and DHS Reject Claims as Budget Debate Unfolds

The White House has proposed $163 billion in cuts to non-defense discretionary spending as part of the fiscal year 2026 “skinny” budget, fulfilling Republicans’ promise to rein in federal expenditures. While the proposal is only a starting point for negotiations, the GOP’s control of Congress is expected to intensify pressure to maintain the planned reductions.

Responding to the Democrats’ letter, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security rejected allegations that the agency is weakening terrorism prevention efforts. “Claims that DHS is reducing focus on terrorism prevention are unequivocally false,” the spokesperson stated. “Allegations of weakening these programs are baseless. DHS is enhancing intelligence and infrastructure protection to keep cities secure. We remain fully dedicated to preventing another 9/11 with robust, targeted investments.”

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, also criticized the proposed cuts, cautioning they could jeopardize national security. “We do not even have President Trump’s full 2026 budget request yet, but from what we have seen, the cuts he is proposing across the federal government threaten our national security.”

As the fiscal year 2026 budget process unfolds, the fate of funding for critical homeland security programs—and the future of terror prevention efforts in America’s largest city—remains uncertain. With deep divisions between Congress and the White House, the debate over public safety and fiscal priorities is set to continue in the months ahead.