The Trump administration is pressing ahead with key policy priorities such as border control and tariff enforcement, even during the U.S. government shutdown. Simultaneously, it is leveraging the shutdown to cut funding for projects in Democratic districts or favored by the Democratic Party, intensifying pressure for concessions.
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House, “We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them [Democrats] and irreversible by them. Like cutting vast numbers of people [federal employees] out, cutting things that they [Democrats] like, cutting programs that they like [such as green energy projects].”
Following this, on Wednesday, White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought announced via X that the administration would suspend approximately 18 billion USD in funding for New York City infrastructure projects.
While Vought cited unconstitutional DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies as the reason, many view this as a strategic move to pressure Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both representing New York. These Democratic politicians are currently at the forefront of negotiations with the White House and Republicans over temporary budget plans linked to the shutdown.
Vought also disclosed plans to cut 8 billion USD in funding for what he termed a “Green New Scam funds” – a term Trump uses to criticize the Biden administration’s environmental and renewable energy policies.
He indicated that the project cancellations would likely affect 16 states, including California and New York – all areas where former Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris defeated Trump in the previous presidential election.
A British news outlet reported that Trump has clearly demonstrated his intent to use the shutdown as a weapon against his political opponents while expanding his control over federal spending.
Schumer criticized the move, accusing Trump of threatening to inflict pain on the country by using Americans as pawns in his political game.
