New York City has taken legal action against the Trump administration to recover over $80 million in funding that was rescinded from the city. The funds, originally allocated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for hotel accommodations for migrants, were abruptly withdrawn.
The lawsuit, titled NYC v. Trump, lists President Donald Trump, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as defendants. Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of ensuring that New York City residents receive the financial support they are entitled to.
"The $80 million that FEMA approved, paid, and then rescinded — after the city spent more than $7 billion in the last three years — is the bare minimum our taxpayers deserve," Adams stated in a press release. "That's why we're going to work tirelessly to ensure our city's residents get every dollar they are owed."
This legal action comes amidst a shifting relationship between Mayor Adams and President Trump. Adams, who is facing federal corruption charges, has been accused of accepting bribes and illegal campaign contributions. The Trump administration's controversial intervention to dismiss these charges raised concerns about political favoritism.
Furthermore, critics have pointed out Adams' cooperation with Trump's immigration policies, such as granting ICE access to Rikers Island, as a potential quid pro quo arrangement. By suing the federal government to reclaim the rescinded FEMA funds, Adams seems to be signaling a departure from his previous alignment with the administration.
