US government shutdown: Trump freezes $11B infrastructure projects in cities
What's the story
The Donald Trump administration has announced a freeze on an additional $11 billion worth of infrastructure projects, mostly in Democratic states. The decision comes as the government shutdown continues, with the US Army Corps of Engineers suspending work on "low priority" projects in cities such as New York and San Francisco. These projects could be canceled entirely if the shutdown persists.
Official statement
White House budget director confirms freeze on social media
White House Budget Director Russell Vought confirmed the freeze on social media. He said the Army Corps of Engineers will stop work on "low priority" projects in cities such as New York, San Francisco, Boston and Baltimore. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) stated that Trump "wants to reorient how the federal government prioritizes Army Corps projects."
Project impact
Trump administration has already frozen at least $28B
The Trump administration has already frozen at least $28 billion for transportation and energy projects in Democratic-controlled cities and states. This move is part of a strategy to pressure political opponents in Congress to end the shutdown, which started on October 1. The Army Corps projects affected by the freeze include a waterfront park in San Francisco, bridge expansions in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and water/wastewater systems in New York City.
Funding breakdown
New York projects account for $7B of total frozen funds
New York projects alone account for $7 billion of the total frozen funds. Other affected states include Illinois, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Maryland, Oregon, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Delaware. All these states voted against Trump in the 2024 presidential election and many of their projects are located in "sanctuary jurisdictions" that have resisted his administration's immigration policies.