As Donald Trump prepares for a return to the White House, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Gov. Kathy Hochul are doubling down on their commitment to protect the rights of New Yorkers. Known for their critical stance against Trump, both leaders have made it clear they will oppose any policies from his administration that could, as they see it, undermine the state’s progress.
Hochul Extends Congratulations but Signals Resistance
During a press conference on Wednesday, Hochul congratulated President-elect Trump while also commending his opponent, Kamala Harris, and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz, for a “hard-fought campaign that really lifted up so many issues that matter to Americans.” Hochul acknowledged that, while the election’s outcome may not have been what many had hoped, New York has faced adversity before and will continue to stand resilient.
“That’s why I have the confidence in my team and all those we work closely with that we will get through the uncertainty of a new administration in Washington because, as I said, we’ve done this before,” Hochul asserted. She further emphasized, “While we honor the results of this election and will work with anyone who wants to be a partner in achieving the goals of our administration in our state, that does not mean we’ll accept an agenda from Washington that strips away the rights that New Yorkers have long enjoyed.”
New York’s Legacy of Progressive Values
Hochul reminded the public that New York has historically been at the forefront of critical movements in the United States, from women’s rights and environmental justice to labor rights and LGBTQ advocacy. She affirmed that our state will continue to be a ‘bastion’ of freedom and the rule of law.
To safeguard these values, Hochul introduced the Empire State Freedom Initiative, which aims to protect reproductive rights, civil rights, immigration, gun safety, labor rights, LGBTQ rights, and environmental justice in New York. “Our team will do whatever we have to do to identify any possible threats to these rights that we hold dear in the state of New York and protect New Yorkers,” she declared. Hochul outlined a comprehensive plan that includes legislation, rulemaking, appropriations, and partnerships with congressional leaders, even extending collaboration to the Biden administration.
Pledging to Protect New Yorkers’ Rights and Resources
With potential changes on the national stage, Hochul called on President-elect Trump to support funding for major New York projects, including infrastructure efforts with the MTA and economic initiatives under the Chips and Science Act.
“I will work with him or anybody, regardless of party, on these kinds of efforts that I know will benefit the state of New York,” Hochul said.
But she added a note of warning: “However, if you try to harm New Yorkers or rollback their rights, I will fight you every step of the way. New Yorkers are resilient. We fought the first time around, and we’ll fight again.”
Letitia James Vows to Stand Firm Against Potential “Retribution”
James, known for her assertive legal actions against Trump during his previous term, took a strong stance, pledging to safeguard New York’s rights under her watch. She acknowledged Trump’s win but with a note of defiance. “We did not expect this result, but we are prepared to respond to this result. And my office has been preparing for several months because we’ve been here before,” she said. “We faced this challenge before, and we used the rule of law to fight back. And we are prepared to fight back once again because, as the attorney general of this great state, it is my job to protect and defend the rights of New Yorkers and the rule of law. And I will not shrink from that responsibility.”
James highlighted that her office previously took nearly 100 legal actions against Trump’s administration, blocking measures they viewed as threats to New Yorkers. These cases included challenges to caps on state and local tax deductions, protection of Affordable Care Act provisions, and efforts to prevent a citizenship question on the census. James pointedly noted, “We’re ready to respond to any attempts to cut or eliminate any funding to the great state of New York, as the governor outlined.”
Prepared to Defend New Yorkers at All Costs
Emphasizing her resolve, James told New Yorkers, “This is not the time to be fearful, New York, but faithful and steadfast, knowing that I, as the attorney general, along with my entire team, we are guardians of the law, and we are prepared, my friends, to fight back.”
