NY Bests Trump in Recent Court Fights Over Funds

New York a recurring opponent as courts block Trump agenda, report says

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A series of court rulings have underscored how the courts have acted as a roadblock to President Donald Trump's agenda, with the state of New York emerging as a recurring opponent, according to a report by Zoe Tillman. One of New York's latest wins includes a Manhattan federal judge's order that the administration keep funding the $16 billion Gateway tunnel project after the state sued over a funding freeze.

Why it matters

The ongoing legal battles between New York and the Trump administration highlight the role of the courts in checking presidential power and serving as a check on the executive branch's agenda. New York's success in these cases suggests the state has been effective in challenging the administration's policies through the judicial system.

The details

The report notes that the administration sought to stop funding for the Gateway tunnel project over concerns about project contracts based on race or sex. However, the Manhattan federal judge ordered the administration to continue funding the $16 billion project after New York sued over the funding freeze.

  • The Manhattan federal judge's order to keep funding the Gateway tunnel project came after New York sued over a funding freeze.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States whose administration has faced a series of legal challenges from the state of New York.

New York

The state that has emerged as a recurring opponent to the Trump administration's agenda, successfully challenging several of the administration's policies through the courts.

Zoe Tillman

The reporter who authored the report on the legal battles between New York and the Trump administration.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A series of rulings underscores how courts have acted as a road block to President Donald Trump's agenda, Zoe Tillman reports — with New York a recurring opponent.”

— Zoe Tillman, Reporter (bloomberglaw.com)

The takeaway

The ongoing legal battles between New York and the Trump administration highlight the important role of the courts in serving as a check on the executive branch's agenda and in protecting state interests against federal overreach.