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Trump Links Disaster Funds to Pro-Israel Stance
New FEMA Policy Ties Emergency Aid to Israel Boycott Ban
The Trump administration has implemented a new policy that bars states and cities from receiving federal disaster preparedness funding if they engage in boycotts against Israeli companies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) now requires grantees to certify they will not cut off “commercial relations specifically with Israeli companies.”
$1.9 Billion in Federal Funds at Stake
This condition applies to over $1.9 billion in federal grants that states use for essential emergency services, including:
- Search and rescue equipment
- Emergency management salaries
- Backup power systems
This requirement was confirmed by FEMA grant documents reviewed by multiple sources.
Federal Grants Used to Advance Political Goals
This policy marks another instance where the administration has used federal funding to promote its political priorities at the state level. Earlier in July, FEMA required states to dedicate part of their terrorism prevention funds to help federal authorities arrest undocumented migrants—another administration agenda.
Targeting the BDS Movement
The move is aimed squarely at the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to pressure Israel economically over its treatment of Palestinians and its occupation of Palestinian territories. BDS gained momentum in 2023 following attacks by Hamas and Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza.
DHS Links BDS to Antisemitism
A spokesperson for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said:
“DHS will enforce all anti-discrimination laws and policies, including as it relates to the BDS movement, which is expressly grounded in antisemitism.”
Existing State-Level Bans Already in Place
The requirement is largely symbolic in many areas. According to a University of Pennsylvania law journal, at least 34 U.S. states already have laws or policies opposing BDS.
Terrorism Grant Recipients Also Affected
FEMA also requires cities applying for $553.5 million in anti-terrorism funding to certify they are not participating in Israeli boycotts. This includes major metropolitan areas, which must comply to receive funding.
Distributions are based on FEMA’s analysis of each city’s relative risk of terrorism.
New York City is expected to receive $92.2 million, the largest allocation.
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