On the first day of the federal government shutdown, New York City is learning just how costly its commitment to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” policies could be under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Russ Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, announced Wednesday that roughly $18 billion in federal funding for two major New York City infrastructure projects has been frozen.
“Roughly $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects have been put on hold to ensure funding is not flowing based on unconstitutional DEI principles,” Vought wrote on X. “More info to come soon.”
The projects affected are among the most significant in New York’s long-term transportation planning. One is the Hudson Tunnel Project, which would add a new passenger rail tunnel under the Hudson River, a vital corridor for Amtrak and New Jersey Transit. The other is the long-delayed Second Avenue Subway expansion, a project that has been discussed for decades and is seen as critical to easing congestion on Manhattan’s East Side.
In a follow-up post, Vought confirmed both projects are on ice, immediately sparking debate over whether the freeze was primarily about DEI or about politics.
The Associated Press noted that the timing suggested more than policy. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, has made the Hudson Tunnel Project one of his signature priorities. In 2023, Schumer locked in a $6.88 billion federal grant for the tunnel. At the time, he acknowledged the funding was partly a safeguard in case Trump returned to the White House and Republicans reclaimed the Senate.
Both of those things have now happened.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who represents Brooklyn, also has a stake in the projects and has been one of Trump’s most vocal opponents in Congress.
The decision to freeze funding hits directly at the priorities of both New York Democrats who are central to the shutdown fight.
CBS News highlighted how the move reverberated beyond policy debates. For Schumer and Jeffries, it was a political gut punch delivered on the same day Democrats were already facing pressure for allowing the shutdown to drag on.
The broader context is that Trump has made rolling back DEI spending a cornerstone of his second administration.
During his first term, Trump signed an executive order restricting DEI training in federal agencies, though it was later rescinded by President Joe Biden.
Now, with Trump back in office and Republicans holding a Senate majority, the administration is applying that principle to billions of dollars in federal spending.
Vought framed the decision as a matter of constitutional principle. Supporters of the freeze argued online that taxpayers should not be forced to fund projects or programs that prioritize ideological commitments over core infrastructure needs.
“This is what accountability looks like,” one Trump supporter wrote on X. “No more DEI slush funds disguised as public works.”
Critics, however, accused the White House of weaponizing federal funding to punish political opponents. Some Democrats argued that the timing — the very first day of the shutdown — made it clear the freeze was aimed squarely at Schumer and Jeffries.
“This isn’t about DEI, it’s about Donald Trump flexing power,” one Democratic strategist said.
For New Yorkers, the practical implications are serious. The Hudson Tunnel Project is part of the larger Gateway Program, which seeks to modernize a century-old rail system that millions of commuters depend on.
Delays in federal funding could set the project back years, raising costs and leaving existing tunnels vulnerable to breakdowns. The Second Avenue Subway, meanwhile, has been in the works since the 1920s and has already been plagued by delays and cost overruns.
Bruce Willis – the action hero who once defined blockbuster cinema – now faces his most poignant role: living with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) at age 70. According to his wife, Emma Heming Willis, the
In the emotional ABC special, “Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey”, Emma shared that her husband now resides in a dedicated single-story home equipped to minimize environmental stressors that could worsen his symptoms. The facility offers 24/7 professional care in a calm setting — designed to better accommodate both his condition and the stability of their daughters, Mabel and Evelyn
Emma acknowledged this was one of the hardest decisions she’s ever had to make. But she believed Bruce would have wanted this for their children — creating a home that prioritized the kids’ needs, not the limitations imposed by his dementia
News of Bruce’s separate living arrangement sparked backlash from critics—but Emma responded with grace: “The opinions are so loud and noisy. If they haven’t walked in a caregiver’s shoes, they don’t get a vote or a say.” She emphasized that sharing their intimate family struggle wasn’t meant to solicit judgment, but to foster awareness of FTD, recognize the emotional complexity caregivers face, and build a supportive community. Her forthcoming memoir,
The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, expands on these themes
Reports indicate Bruce’s FTD has advanced significantly — he is now reportedly unable to speak, read, or walk unaided. This stark decline challenges the iconic memory of him as a confident, agile action star, but illustrates the severity of his neurological battle
Despite living separately, Bruce remains surrounded by love. Emma and his young daughters visit daily, sharing meals and moments of connection. His older daughters — Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah — from his marriage to Demi Moore, also remain an important part of the caregiving circle. Their visits bring warmth, laughter, and a sense of home
A Curious Girl, a Mysterious Creature, and a Discovery That Defied Explanation
Milly’s mornings in her quiet hometown were usually calm and predictable. But one day, her usual wander through the nearby forest led her to something no one expected—an encounter that would change her understanding of nature forever.
While exploring deeper into the woods than she ever had before, nine-year-old Milly spotted a small, shadowy creature nestled beneath a fallen log. At first glance, it looked like a lizard—but there was something unsettling about it, something unfamiliar.
Emma poignantly shared: “I don’t need him to know I am his wife… I just want to feel that connection — and I do.”
Bruce Willis — once Hollywood’s ultimate action hero — now navigates a vastly different reality. His family chose proximity over proximity, love over comfort, ensuring he receives expert care while preserving the emotional bonds that define them. Their story transcends tragedy; it is a testament to family resilience, caregiving courage, and profound love amid illness.