For Immediate Release
Contact: Jake Oliver, jake@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-9983
New York, NY (February 12, 2025) – Citizens Union issues the following statement from Board Chair John Avlon in response to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) unilateral seizure of $80.5 million from New York City’s bank accounts:
“The Trump administration’s unilateral seizure of funds from New York City’s bank accounts sets a dangerous precedent. This is money appropriated by congress to help ease the burdens created by the federal government’s longstanding failure to sufficiently secure our borders. This seizure and the threatened federal lawsuits are designed to punish New York City and State to score partisan political points in Washington.
“At a time when New York City is facing significant fiscal challenges, the arbitrary removal of these funds—without warning or due process—jeopardizes essential services and erodes public trust. State and City leaders must stand firm in defending New York and stand strong against Washington’s attempt to impose their political agenda through intimidation. A federal problem demands a federal solution; not scapegoating states and cities.”
About Citizens Union
For over 125 years, Citizens Union has been a non-partisan force for reform, accountability, and ethics in New York City and State government. Learn more at www.citizensunion.org.
-30-