DHS Withdraws $59 Million FEMA Funds for NYC Migrant Hotels

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that she has reclaimed the $59 million FEMA payment meant for New York City hotels housing migrants, following its allocation against President Trump's orders. This action was preceded by the firing of four FEMA officials for their role in approving the payment unilaterally. The funds were initially discovered by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, who highlighted the illegality of using disaster relief money for such purposes. The payment was controversial, as it funded luxury hotels, including the Roosevelt Hotel, alleged to be a base for the Tren de Aragua gang and the location associated with the killer of Laken Riley. The Trump administration has faced criticism for FEMA’s management under former President Biden, including allegations of misusing funds intended for disaster relief. New York City confirmed receiving these funds for migrant housing, which sparked further debate on the appropriateness of FEMA's financial decisions.