Statement from NYC Comptroller Lander on the Federal Court Hearing over the $80M FEMA Clawback

New York, NY—New York City Comptroller Brad Lander issued the following statement:

“Let’s be clear: Donald Trump and his loser lackies—Elon Musk and Kristi Noem—acted illegally when they stole $80 million from New York City’s bank account. Seizing our Congressionally-authorized, FEMA-approved money was nothing more than attempted retribution against immigrants seeking asylum, many of them sent here on buses by Governor Abbott from Texas. Like all of Trump’s illegal efforts to freeze and seize Congressionally-authorized funds, this action harmed taxpayers and working families and would force the City to cut services if not reversed.

“Trump, Musk and Noem’s seizure of this $80 million came to light because my office found it and raised the alarm bell, and I rapidly demanded that the City go into federal court to get our money back—even asking Governor Hochul for authority to file the suit if Mayor Adams would not allow it to go forward.

“The lawyers who stood up to President Trump and Eric Adams’ collusion on behalf of New Yorkers deserve our praise.

“The case lives on and the New York City Law Department will need to keep fighting in court to recoup these funds seized illegally and stop Donald Trump from ripping off New York City again– City’s sovereignty and future financial security are at stake.

“No matter what, I will always put protecting New Yorkers first—whether you arrived today or have been here for generations. New Yorkers deserve City leadership that will fight to protect them every day.”

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