NEWARK, N.J. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Representatives LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) and Robert Menendez (NJ-08) held a press conference outside of the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) in Newark to call upon the Trump Administration to stop making reckless cuts that are putting New Jerseyans out of work and eliminating resources many across the state rely on for help as New Jersey navigates a housing and affordability crisis.  

They were joined by leaders who represent thousands of workers that are impacted by these decisions, current and former employees from the Department of Housing and Urban Development who detailed the ways that cuts to HUD grants would impact access to housing across the state, as well as HUD recipients who could not afford to live here without help from this agency. Cuts to these federal programs affect not only federal employees themselves, but all New Jerseyans who rely on the services. 

“New Jersey is in the midst of a housing crisis; families cannot afford to buy homes, rent is too high, and people are struggling,” said Senator Andy Kim. “President Trump and Elon Musk are taking away federal help that people in New Jersey count on when they need it the most and are leaving thousands of workers without jobs. People all across the state are suffering at the hands of Trump’s decisions and today we stand up to call upon his Administration to stop shuttering departments and harming New Jersey residents and workers statewide.” 

“Tens of thousands of employees have been unjustly fired because of Elon Musk and Trump’s political DOGE takeover, including employees at HUD,” said Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10). “These layoffs come as New Jersey faces a housing affordability crisis, with a shortage of more than 200,000 low-income rental properties across the state. Gutting critical programs that create more affordable housing and firing HUD employees—like Trump and Musk are doing—will only cause more people to be without a safe place to sleep. I’m proud to join Sen. Kim and Rep. Menendez to stand up for our federal workers.” 

 
“Access to safe, affordable housing is a fundamental right, yet too many across our state struggle to find it,” said Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08). “Together with our partners in state and local government, we have been working for years to identify new opportunities to address the rising cost of housing in our communities. Now, President Trump is standing in the way of our progress and making the situation even worse. I’m proud to stand alongside Senator Kim and Congresswoman McIver to support federal housing programs and the civil servants who make them possible.” 

They were joined by following speakers: 

• Angela Digeronimo, President, AFGE SSA local 2369  

• Staci Berger, President and CEO, Housing and Community Development Network of NJ 

• Larry Hirsch, Acting President, AFGE Local 913  

• Mohammed AbdelRaheem, former engineer, Office of Public and Indian Housing, HUD 

• Adam Cartagena, President, AFGE Local 1012 

• David Weiner, President, CWA Local 1081 

• Gabriel Douglas, City of Trenton employee who administers housing resources 

• Darlene Jackson, HUD resource recipient 

“I am here because I believe in fairness, transparency, and accountability in the workplace,” said Mohammed AbdelRaheem, former engineer, Office of Public and Indian Housing HUD. “What’s at stake isn’t just my own experience, but the rights of many others facing similar challenges. It’s important that we ensure every worker is treated justly and given a fair shot.” 

“I am here to share my experience so others can see the true value federal grant programs hold in communities,” said Gabriel Douglas, City of Trenton employee administering housing resources. “Not only did I rely on these programs to achieve success and stability, but I have also used my professional skills to help others do the same. I have seen firsthand how these programs change lives, and I am committed to ensuring they remain accessible. I am here to advocate for just lives and futures.” 

Senator Kim is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and the Special Committee on Aging. Learn more about Senator Kim’s service on behalf of New Jersey and find information on how to stay up to date with his office here. 

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