Duffy to NYC: Clean Up Crime or Lose Federal Dollars

In a pointed appearance on The Ingraham Angle, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy didn’t mince words when addressing the ongoing public safety crisis in New York City. Joined by Laura Ingraham, Duffy made it clear that urban leaders—especially in crime-ridden cities like New York—must take decisive action to protect their residents or face consequences, including losing federal funding.

“It’s a bit unconventional to have me come in and call me a liar,” Duffy said, responding to pushback from Democratic Congressman Jerry Nadler. “But actually the stats don’t lie—crime has gone up in New York City.” Duffy emphasized the basic responsibility of elected officials: “If you’re a congressman or a city councilman, your job is to keep people safe—even if Jerry [Nadler] drives around with a chauffeured car.”

The Subways: A Symbol of Urban Decline

Duffy zeroed in on the dangerous state of New York’s subway system. Citing recent violent incidents—including a man stabbed multiple times on the One Train—he pointed out that public transit has become unusable for many.

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“The people who ride the subway actually want to be able to not get pushed in front of a train or lit on fire,” Duffy said. “I don’t know why the politicians of New York don’t want to fight for their constituents. Again, I think it’s an elitist ideology.”

He noted that even typically resilient commuters are opting out: “I know big men, strong men, middle-aged, and even young men who won’t ride the subway because it is so dangerous. So if you don’t have burly men who will ride it, think of a 24-year-old girl going to and from work.”

Linking Public Safety to Federal Funds

Duffy issued a clear warning: if cities can’t manage their crime problems, they should not expect to keep receiving federal dollars. “From our perspective, I think the federal taxpayer would expect that if you can’t keep your subway safe, if you can’t manage your budgets, why do federal tax dollars get fed into this system?”

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He criticized New York’s recent congestion pricing plan—an added $9 charge just to enter Manhattan—as another burden that forces people into unsafe public transit. “Even if you want to drive your car, a lot of people can’t afford it. So they force those people into the subway, and the subway’s not safe.”

Duffy Calls for Common-Sense Reform

Rather than ideological talking points, Duffy called for what he sees as simple, effective governance. “If you’re a liberal and you want people to ride the subway, make it safe for people. Make it clean. Take the crazy people out. You shouldn’t be groped or assaulted or lit on fire if you ride the train.”

He added that even Democratic constituents in the city are showing support for his position. “Even Democrats are applauding us for fighting back against their politicians who won’t protect them and keep them safe.”

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Ingraham: Trump Administration Won’t Abandon Cities

Laura Ingraham closed the segment by assuring viewers that urban decay won’t be ignored under the Trump administration. “Stay on this because it is such a crucial issue, and no one should ever abandon these cities. I know the Trump administration, especially in New York, will not do that.”

With rising crime rates, worsening transit conditions, and increasing public frustration, Duffy’s message was clear: safety is not a partisan issue—it’s a moral obligation. And if cities won’t act, Washington just might.

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