The Trump administration is putting politics ahead of disaster relief. Under a new policy announced by FEMA, states and cities that boycott Israeli companies could lose access to billions in emergency funding — money that’s used for things like search-and-rescue gear, backup power, and emergency response salaries.
The move is part of a broader push by the administration to penalize local governments that support the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement. BDS supporters want to cut economic ties with Israel over its treatment of Palestinians. The movement gained traction in 2023 after the conflict in Gaza intensified.
Now, FEMA says states must certify they won’t cut off business with Israeli companies in order to qualify for disaster-preparedness grants. That applies to more than $1.9 billion in federal funds. Cities like New York, which stands to receive over $90 million, would be required to sign off on the condition.
This isn’t the first time FEMA funds have come with strings. In July, the agency required that states use some of their terrorism-prevention money to help federal authorities arrest migrants — another Trump priority.
Critics, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), say this latest move is unconstitutional and dangerous. “Denying aid to places hit by floods, hurricanes, and wildfires just because they support human rights? That’s state-sponsored cruelty,” said CAIR’s Robert McCaw.
Even some Trump allies are pushing back. In May, Trump supporters in Congress slammed a separate bill (H.R. 867) that would criminalize Israel boycotts, saying it threatened free speech. The backlash forced lawmakers to pull the vote. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, usually aligned with Trump, publicly opposed the bill, saying Americans should have the right to boycott whoever they want.
But Homeland Security is standing firm. A spokesperson said they will continue enforcing rules against antisemitism, including policies targeting the BDS movement.
In short, if your city wants federal help after a disaster, the Trump administration wants to know where you stand on Israel first.
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