New York State Cyber Chief Condemns Trump for Cutting Cybersecurity Funding

During the early months of the new Trump administration, significant budget cuts, personnel reductions, and initiative rollbacks in the realm of cybersecurity were enacted by the White House. This decision has sparked alarm among cybersecurity experts and lawmakers.

Among the prominent critics is Colin Ahern, New York State’s chief cyber officer. In a recent discussion with TechCrunch, Ahern articulated the concerns he shares with Governor Kathy Hochul regarding the risks the Trump administration’s budget cuts pose to national security.

“We engage with the federal government on a daily basis. We expect the federal government to operate effectively,” Ahern remarked to TechCrunch. “Clearly, we have serious concerns about various issues we’re witnessing, including troubling aspects related to the ‘Big Ugly Bill’ and the latest budget rescissions,” he pointed out, referring to Trump’s main budget approved in early July.

The cuts to cybersecurity made by the Trump administration have been extensive and impactful.

Since assuming office, the Trump administration has let go of over a hundred employees at CISA, although some were reinstated after a judicial ruling reversed the layoffs. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act cut more than $1.2 billion from cybersecurity funding across federal agencies, including a $135 million reduction to CISA’s budget, while allocating $1 billion over four years for offensive cyber operations aimed at foreign targets.

Furthermore, the administration’s pick for national cyber director faced scrutiny due to a perceived lack of relevant experience, and the Department of Education suspended a cybersecurity support initiative intended for K-12 schools.

“Everyone wishes for a federal government that can deter adversaries and is resilient to various attacks,” Ahern stated to TechCrunch. “As we’ve expressed publicly, we believe that the current state of affairs in Washington endangers those vital capabilities.”

While the federal government plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s cybersecurity, states also carry significant responsibility for protecting their own systems, encompassing public schools and critical infrastructure such as water utilities. However, much of the funding for these initiatives is sourced federally.

Earlier this month, Hochul reached out to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, requesting support from the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), which aids state and local entities in boosting security both online and offline.

“HSGP funding is crucial for protecting and sustaining critical infrastructure like transportation hubs, power grids, water systems, and communication networks,” Hochul wrote, urging Noem to expedite the release of these funds.

While Ahern acknowledges the challenges tied to federal cooperation, he stressed that New York is not “standing still.”

“We are dedicated to investing our time, resources, and energy into building collaborations across state lines, political affiliations, and with local governments to ensure we maintain a safe, resilient, and affordable New York—one that preserves its status as a cultural, financial, and economic hub,” he stated.

According to Ahern, Hochul has been a proactive advocate for cybersecurity advancements in New York.

Last month, the governor enacted new legislation mandating that all government personnel at the state, city, county, or district level who work with computers undergo cybersecurity awareness training. This law also requires state offices that experience cyberattacks to notify the state’s homeland security office within 72 hours, and to report any ransomware payments within 24 hours, among other stipulations.

Last week, Hochul introduced proposals for new legislation aimed at establishing a grant program for water and wastewater organizations to assist in funding necessary upgrades to meet impending regulations.

Ahern revealed to TechCrunch that the state government intends to open a new office in New York City, which will be staffed with various technologists, including cybersecurity specialists. He hopes to bring on board individuals who were displaced due to the Trump administration’s actions.

“DOGE says you’re fired. New York says you’re hired,” Ahern joked, referencing the government’s public slogan for this recruitment effort.