Current Events > Trump to deny disaster aid to states/cities that boycott Israeli companies

(+) Yeah! (+)

The Trump administration will deny federal disasterpreparedness aid to U.S. states and cities that boycott Israeli companies, linking routine funding to its political position. In grant notices posted Friday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said applicants must comply with its "terms and conditions," which include certifying they will not cut off "commercial relations specifically with Israeli companies" to remain eligible for assistance. The rule covers at least $1.9 billion in federal grants that states depend on for searchandrescue gear, emergency management salaries, backup power systems, and other essentials, according to 11 FEMA grant notices reviewed by Reuters. It marks the Trump administration's latest move to leverage federal funding to advance its stance on Israel.

In April, the Department of Homeland Security which oversees FEMA said states and cities receiving its grants are prohibited from boycotting Israel. And in July, FEMA announced that states must allocate part of their federal terrorismprevention funds to assisting in the arrest of migrants, another key administration priority. The new requirement targets the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to pressure Israel economically to end its occupation of Palestinian territories. Support for the campaign grew louder in 2023 after Hamas attacked southern Israel and Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza. Newsweek has reached out to the BDS movement via email on Monday afternoon for comment. The American Jewish Committee, an advocacy group that supports Israel, backs the policy, Holly Huffnagle, the group's director of antisemitism policy, told Reuters.

One grant notice issued Friday says FEMA will require major cities to agree to the policy to access part of $553.5 million earmarked for terrorism prevention in highrisk urban areas. New York would receive $92.2 million the largest share based on FEMA's analysis of each city's "relative risk of terrorism." In May, prominent figures from within President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" or "MAGA" movement came out against the bipartisan IGO Anti-Boycott Act, House Resolution 867saying it would criminalize boycotts and free speech against Israel. After the backlash, a pending vote was canceled.

Critics of the H.R. 867 said the legislation goes against the right to free speech established in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Its supporters say it targets antisemitic actions, including boycotts of Israel.

America first!*

The sooner he does that thing that old people are commonly known to do, the better.

The sooner he does that thing that old people are commonly known to do, the better.

Meanwhile every single one of them despises Jewish people, including Stephen Miller.

Ironic because hes Jewish hahaha

America first!

He already denies disaster aid to Republican governors that lick his boots so this changes nothing.