Trump administration cuts funds for Democratic projects amid government shutdown
發佈日期: 2025-10-02 20:46
TVB News
With the government shutdown currently in effect in the U.S., the Trump administration has begun targeting projects in multiple Democratic-leaning states with funding freezes of some 26 billion U.S. dollars.
Vice President J.D. Vance warned federal layoffs would follow if the shutdown lasts more than a few days.
Just hours into the federal government shutdown on Wednesday, the White House announced it was putting on hold about 18 billion dollars for transit projects in New York City, specifically affecting the Hudson Tunnel Project and the Second Ave. Subway.
The freeze also included 8 billion dollars in funding related to green energy projects in 16 states, including California and Illinois, all of which voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
This as President Donald Trump carried out his threat to leverage the shutdown to punish his political opponents.
The White House press secretary suggested that mass layoffs will begin imminently.
Vice President J.D. Vance also said the administration may extend its purge of federal workers if the shutdown drags on, even as he said no final decision has been made.
About 750,000 employees are expected to be placed on furlough.
Many others such as troops and border guards began to work without pay.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul blamed the situation on a "deliberate decision" made by President Trump and the Republicans.
In the state of Maryland, Governor Wes Moore called a halt to the government shutdown.
He said: "We will do everything in our power to deliver relief to those who are struggling. But I also want to be clear that there is not a single state in this country that is prepared to fill this enormous gap that is being created by this federal administration."
No new talks have been scheduled after Trump failed to strike a deal with congressional leaders over budget priorities.
House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries said the Trump administration is attacking Americans' jobs while pushing up the costs, but he also expressed willingness to reach an agreement "in good faith" with the Republicans.
Jeffries said: "But we also have to make sure that if we reach an agreement that has bipartisan support in the House and in the Senate, it's signed into law by President Trump. That the administration can't then come behind that agreement, and in a partisan way undo funding for programs and for support that matters to the American people."
