NY’s Outsized Role in Washington’s Shutdown Battle
2nd October 2025
Amid a government shutdown fight that highlights disagreements between New York-born President Donald Trump and two Democratic leaders from New York in Congress, the Empire State has found itself in the spotlight.
After Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., denied Republicans his party’s votes necessary to pass a stopgap funding bill to keep the government open, the White House froze funding for subway infrastructure projects in New York City.
“Roughly $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects have been put on hold to ensure funding is not flowing based on unconstitutional [diversity, equity, and inclusion] principles,” wrote Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought on the social media platform X on the first day of the shutdown. Vought has the authority to determine which programs are essential during a shutdown.