• The Trump administration has frozen $18 billion for infrastructure projects in New York City, coinciding with a government shutdown.
• Funding typically allocated for the Hudson Tunnel Project and Second Avenue Subway is affected, targeting key Democratic leaders.
• The administration cites opposition to "unconstitutional DEI principles" as the reason for the funding halt.
• New York officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul, criticize the decision, labeling it a political maneuver.
• This funding freeze follows a broader trend of targeting Democratic-run jurisdictions during the shutdown.

The Trump administration has officially frozen approximately $18 billion in federal funding for significant infrastructure projects in New York City, coinciding with the government's shutdown. The announcement was made by Russ Vought, the head of the Office of Management and Budget, who argued that the funds would not be disbursed due to their association with "unconstitutional DEI principles," referring to policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The funding freeze impacts key projects, namely the Hudson Tunnel Project and the Second Avenue Subway expansion, both crucial for New York's transportation system, according to CBS News and LA Times.

The Hudson Tunnel Project is a vital initiative to create a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River, aimed at alleviating congestion in a century-old tunnel presently used by a vast number of trains. This project has received substantial backing from influential Democratic leaders such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both of whom the administration blames for the budget stalemate that led to the shutdown. Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the funding freeze, stating it reflects a troubling prioritization of political agendas over necessary infrastructure development, as reported by LA Times and NPR.

The funding cuts, which also extend to other projects in Democratic-leaning states, portray a clear strategy by the Trump administration to use fiscal policy as a weapon against political adversaries. $26 billion has been frozen across Democratic-led states, indicating a targeted approach to address Democratic priorities through financial measures amid the shutdown, as mentioned in multiple reports, including India Times and India Times.