US Ties Disaster Aid to Israel Boycott Pledge

The Trump administration has mandated that U.S. states and cities certify they will not boycott Israeli companies to qualify for at least $1.9 billion in FEMA disaster preparedness funding, explicitly targeting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which gained renewed attention after the events of October 7, 2023. The Department of Homeland Security stated it is enforcing anti-discrimination laws, describing BDS as rooted in antisemitism. The impact of the requirement is largely symbolic, as at least 34 states already have anti-BDS laws or policies. Major cities must also comply to receive $553.5 million in terrorism prevention funds, with New York City set to get the largest share. The policy is seen as part of the administration's broader strategy to use federal funds to advance political priorities at the state and local level. FEMA has also linked the use of terrorism prevention funds to efforts assisting in migrant arrests.