Trump Uses Shutdown to Target Opponents, Blocks $27 Billion Aid to 16 States

Trump Uses Shutdown to Target Opponents: US President Donald Trump has weaponized the federal budget to increase pressure on his political opponents during the ongoing government shutdown. According to reports, the Trump administration has withheld more than $27 billion in funding approved for Democratic-led states and cities.

Selective Revenge on Opponents

Instead of ending the legislative impasse, Trump is using the crisis to take revenge on his opponents, reduce government spending, and force Democrats to accept his political terms. Since the shutdown began, his administration has suspended or suspended federal aid to 16 states—mostly Democratic-governed states.

New York and Oregon Also Targeted

The White House also targeted New York State, canceling approximately $7.6 billion in green energy funding. Following this, the administration indicated that financial aid to Portland could also be cut.

A portion of Oregon's funding had already been withdrawn. "There's no doubt the Trump administration is directly targeting Democratic states. They're after us," said New York's Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul.

Legal Dispute Intensifies

Several states have challenged Trump's move in court. They claim the president violated the law by withholding funding approved by Congress. Last week, a court ordered the Trump administration to return $187 million in anti-terrorism funds to New York. Despite this, Trump shows no signs of backing down from his decisions.

Work on 'Project 2025' Begins

Meanwhile, Trump has announced the start of work on 'Project 2025,' which plans to make major changes to the bureaucratic structure. Emory University law professor Matthew Lawrence says this shows Trump is using his unilateral budget powers to pressure states, institutions, and individuals.

$400 Million Daily Loss Due to Shutdown

According to the US Congressional Budget Office, the shutdown has left approximately 750,000 federal employees without work, with compensation costing approximately $400 million per day. The total economic impact will depend on the duration of the shutdown.

Approximately 90 percent of employees at the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Education have been affected, while approximately 10 percent of the Justice Department's staff have been affected. The shutdown has not only disrupted government operations but is also impacting public spending and services.