The Trump administration has added Chicago to the growing list of Democrat-led cities and states losing federal funds during the government shutdown. White House Budget Director Russell Vought announced Oct. 3 that $2.1 billion promised for Chicago’s transit system is on hold.
Earlier, $18 billion in infrastructure funds for New York and $8 billion in Department of Energy projects across 16 blue states were also paused. Similar energy project funds in red states remain untouched, according to Notus.
Democrats Condemn ‘Mafioso Tactics’
Democratic leaders swiftly criticized the move. “We’re less than a day into this shutdown, and Trump & Vought are illegally punishing Democrat-led states,” Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., posted Oct. 1, calling the cuts “mafioso tactics.”
Florida Reimbursed for Immigration Facilities
In contrast, red Florida received $608 million from FEMA on Oct. 2 to cover construction and management of two state-run immigration detention centers, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” and “Deportation Depot.” Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted the reimbursement just hours before the shutdown began.
Trump Eyes Permanent Cuts
Trump wrote Oct. 2 that he was meeting with Vought to decide “which of the many Democrat Agencies, most of which are a political SCAM,” should be cut, and whether those cuts will be temporary or permanent.
National Guard Deployment Considered in Chicago
The administration has clashed with Chicago officials amid discussions about deploying the National Guard. DHS recently requested Guard support in Illinois “to safeguard Federal personnel, property, and functions,” according to the Pentagon.
For more on the government shutdown, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.