In a sharply divisive post-election press conference Wednesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and state Attorney General Letitia James positioned themselves as fierce adversaries to President-elect Donald Trump. The two Democratic leaders vowed to prepare for a political and legal battle against the incoming administration, emphasizing their readiness to protect the rights of New Yorkers.
Hochul, in a defiant tone, announced the creation of the “Empire State Freedom Initiative,” a new initiative designed to fight back against potential policy and regulatory changes she anticipates from the Trump administration. Standing before reporters in her Manhattan office, Hochul made it clear that she was prepared to collaborate with the incoming president when necessary, but her primary focus was on preventing any rollback of rights for New Yorkers
“You try to harm New Yorkers or roll back their rights, I will fight you every step of the way,” Hochul declared, signaling a direct confrontation with the Republican leader on a range of key issues. The governor pointed to concerns over abortion rights, LGBTQ protections, labor laws, environmental policies, and immigration as areas where she expects conflict.
James, who stood beside Hochul during the briefing, echoed the governor’s sentiment, stressing that her office had been preparing for the possibility of another Trump presidency. “I am ready to do everything in my power to ensure our state and nation do not go backwards,” James said in a statement. “Together with Governor Hochul, our partners in state and local government, and my colleague attorneys general from throughout the nation, we will work each and every day to defend Americans, no matter what this new administration throws at us. We are ready to fight back again.”
The attorney general’s remarks highlighted her longstanding legal battles against Trump, including her ongoing investigations into the former president’s business practices. When asked about her ongoing case against Trump, James dismissed any fear of confrontation, stating bluntly, “I am not fearful of Donald Trump. I have not been fearful of Donald Trump.”
The joint appearance of Hochul and James underscored a strategic alliance between the state’s two top Democrats as they brace for a renewed clash with the incoming Republican administration. With tensions already high over Trump’s past policies and rhetoric, it’s clear that the political landscape in New York is preparing for what could be a contentious four years ahead.