New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James recently pledged to “protect” New Yorkers from policies they expect to see under the incoming Trump administration. At a press conference, both leaders promised to defend the rights of New York residents, positioning themselves as a counterforce against federal actions they claim could harm freedoms within the state. However, critics argue that their records show a tendency toward restricting freedoms rather than upholding them.
Hochul introduced her new “Empire State Freedom Initiative” as a safeguard against anticipated federal policies on immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, labor laws, and more. Yet, many recall her stance during the COVID-19 pandemic when she enforced strict lockdowns, pushed for mask mandates, and supported proposals for state surveillance to ensure compliance. These actions, critics argue, undermined personal freedoms and individual rights across New York.
Hochul, James put their embarrassing anti-Trump agenda over New York's needs https://t.co/a9y1Gb3fVi
— Palmer (@Jonijam) November 7, 2024
Attorney General James, who has led numerous legal actions against Trump over the years, reiterated her intent to “fight back” against Trump’s policies, vowing to prevent the state from “going backward.” However, James has been accused of using her office to target political opponents, with some suggesting her legal pursuits have more to do with political animosity than with protecting citizens’ rights. Her investigations into Trump have often been cited by critics as politically motivated.
BREAKING: Governor Hochul announces a Ministry Of Truth for students in NY pic.twitter.com/hrXOjS5OV2
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 21, 2023
New York GOP chair Ed Cox was among those voicing skepticism, describing Hochul and James’ claims as “hypocritical.” Cox questioned how leaders with a record of supporting state surveillance and COVID restrictions could now claim to stand for the rights of New Yorkers. He suggested their recent pledges were “political theater,” intended more to oppose Trump than to genuinely protect the rights of New Yorkers.
NYS..HOCHUL AND JAMES ARE ANTI PRESIDENT TRUMP pic.twitter.com/fMctyyu09u
— ILLEGAL MIGRANT GANGS TERRORIZING CITIZENS (@HoganMikee) November 7, 2024
The press conference left some New Yorkers unconvinced that Hochul and James are dedicated to their rights. As these leaders prepare to resist the Trump administration, they face mounting pressure to align their actions with their words. For many, their promises seem at odds with a record marked by restrictive measures, raising questions about their true priorities.
