President Donald Trump is facing growing political pressure after releasing only part of the federal funding for a major tunnel and transportation project linking New York and New Jersey. The dispute has sparked a fierce battle between the White House and Democratic leaders, who accuse his administration of playing politics with critical infrastructure.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the amount released by the federal government this week was far below what had been promised. The project, which is part of the Gateway Program, is considered essential for millions of commuters and the regional economy.
According to state officials, construction could slow or even stop if the full funding is not restored. Labour unions and workers have also warned that jobs and safety could be at risk if the project faces delays.
Trump, however, defended his position, saying the project could become too expensive and calling it a “financial disaster” if not carefully managed. He has argued that the costs could rise into billions of dollars more than expected and insisted that the government must avoid wasteful spending.
The disagreement has already led to legal action, with New York and New Jersey suing the federal government to force the release of the remaining funds. A U.S. judge previously ordered some money to be paid, but the dispute continues.
The conflict highlights wider political tensions in Washington as Trump prepares for his upcoming State of the Union address next week. The speech is expected to focus on the economy, immigration, and global conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Observers say the funding row could become a major campaign issue ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, as both parties try to win support from working-class voters and key swing states.
