Statement: Pressure from NYC Comptroller Lander Leads to Adams Administration’s Reversal on Recouping FEMA Funds

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

“Since Wednesday, when my office discovered that the federal government had, at Elon Musk’s direction, removed $80 million from one of the City’s bank accounts, I have been demanding that the Mayor take immediate action to get it bank. Earlier today, my Office sent a letter to the New York City Law Department calling on them to commence legal action to recover the City’s money, and making clear that if they are not prepared to pursue a lawsuit against the federal government, I am.

“I was relieved to receive a reply from Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant this afternoon, agreeing to commence legal action, no later than one week from today. I am grateful that our urgent insistence pushed the Law Department to pursue litigation, even at this precarious moment. I look forward to doing everything in my power to help the City recoup the FEMA funds stolen by President Trump and holding accountable those intent on working against the best interests of New Yorkers.”

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