DOJ Labels Portland, Seattle and New York “Anarchist Jurisdictions”

Following instructions from President Donald Trump earlier this month, the Department of Justice on Monday labeled Portland, Seattle and New York City as “anarchist jurisdictions” and threatened to withhold federal funding. The three cities in question made cuts to their police budgets this year. In a statement on the move, Attorney General William Barr said: “When state and local leaders impede their own law enforcement officers and agencies from doing their jobs, it endangers innocent citizens who deserve to be protected.” It is unclear which funds will potentially be cut, but New York City alone receives about $7 billion in federal funds annually. Coverage in right-rated outlets tended to include New York crime statistics and a quote from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo saying, “[Trump] better have an army if he thinks he’s gonna walk down the street in New York.” Coverage in left-rated outlets was more likely to include the use of federal agents against protesters and rioters in some cities, including Portland.