In response to a lawsuit by University of California (UC) researchers, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently admitted to revoking federal grants based solely on party affiliation, representation, and results in the 2024 presidential election. The admission is further proof that the Trump administration has weaponized federal grants and policies against states and cities represented by Democrats, including New York.
In stark contrast, the previous Biden administration awarded most funding under the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to Republican-led districts.
During the federal government shutdown in October-November 2025, the Trump administration froze or canceled nearly $28 billion toward clean energy projects, electric grid upgrades, and transportation infrastructure, such as the Second Avenue subway extension and the Hudson River train tunnel. The overwhelming majority were located in cities, districts, and states represented by Democratic lawmakers and/or voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 general election, according to an analysis by The New York Times. Despite their initial claims of saving taxpayer dollars or national security concerns, Trump-appointed officials were clearly motivated by politics and revenge.
Visit ibewgov.org for more details on infrastructure projects canceled by President Trump and updates ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
