Posted on October 22, 2025
BALTIMORE — The Trump administration is freezing $11 billion worth of projects that had already been green-lit by the Army Corps of Engineers in several Democrat-run cities — including Baltimore.
Several Maryland lawmakers have criticized the move, calling it another example of President Donald Trump putting partisan politics over people.
U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland, told WBAL-TV 11 News Trump is politicizing the government shutdown and making mafia-style threats to those who criticize him.
U.S. Rep. Johnny Olszewski, D-District 2, said he finds it troubling that Trump is zeroing in on Democrat-run cities.
“This administration is leading first with threats and then by edicts, then we learn details of those edicts following the announcements,” Olszewski said on WBAL NewsRadio 1090 AM and 101.5 FM. “We believe some of these announcements are illegal, and certainly — if not legal — wrong.”
“Donald Trump is politicizing this shutdown of his own doing, making mafia-style threats to go after funding for important projects in states with leaders who dare to criticize him,” Van Hollen said. “We cannot give this lawless president a blank check.”
There is no word yet on which Army Corps of Engineers projects would be impacted, but WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates made numerous calls and sent emails to find out.
There are four projects underway that could potentially be impacted:
Cleanup of potential radioactive contamination at the former W.R. Grace facility in Curtis Bay.
The Baltimore Coastal Storm Risk Management study, designed to help communities better understand flooding risks caused by climate change and help them better prepare for the future.
Debris control around Baltimore’s harbor and the Patapsco River.
Dredging to expand access to the harbor.
“These are impacts for our safety, our well-being that make our communities stronger and more resilient, so it is my hope these are just threats. We will be doing whatever we can to push back,” Olszewski said.
The assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates that because of the lapse in government funding, the office can’t provide adequate oversight. They’re reviewing to determine which projects are essential to life and safety.
“Once the lapse and review are over, the Administration may consider taking further actions that limit, cancel or reprioritize resources in a manner that is consistent with these reviews and with the Administration’s stated priorities,” the Army for Civil Works said.
“It is especially troubling that the president would say we are specifically targeting Democratic-led jurisdictions. That is not what this country is about,” Olszewski said.
U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, R-District 1, did not respond to WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates’ inquiry.
