The Trump administration is overhauling a $1bn post-9/11 program to redirect terrorism prevention funding from Democratic-led states to those that voted for him in the 2024 election, according to government records reviewed by Reuters.
Twelve Democratic-led states have filed a lawsuit to block the cuts, alleging the administration is punishing them for not cooperating with federal immigration agents. The funding changes were detailed in notices from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) in late September.
Wisconsin, North Carolina and Ohio—states won by Trump in 2024—saw the largest percentage increases. In contrast, Washington DC faced a 70% cut, Illinois 69%, New Jersey 49%, and California 31%, compared with earlier estimates.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said the new totals give “greater weight” to threats from transnational organised crime and illegal border crossings, calling the adjustments “methodical, risk-informed” and not politically motivated. However, Trump has linked funding decisions to politics, stating last week, “We’re only cutting Democrat programs.”
A federal judge in Rhode Island has temporarily blocked the distribution of funds pending a court case. New York, a plaintiff, initially faced a 77% cut, but Trump reversed that on 3 October without explanation.
