The White House is halting $18 billion in New York infrastructure funding due to concerns over diversity and inclusion practices and as the first day of a federal shutdown grinds government work to a halt.

Russell Vought, the director of the US Office of Management and Budget, cited the “unconstitutional DEI principles” as the reason for the funding freeze in a post on X on Wednesday. “Specifically, the Hudson Tunnel Project and the Second Ave Subway ,” he said.

The move comes as President Donald Trump and Republicans are pitted against congressional Democrats, including New York Senator Chuck Schumer, the minority leader, over funding.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul was in the midst of holding a press conference with other elected officials in front of the Statue of Liberty to prot

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