Washington — On Sunday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that Democratic governors will not “remain passive” while President Trump threatens repercussions for state leaders who fail to align with his agenda.
“Do not assume you can just waltz in and intimidate us without facing a response from the governors,” Hochul remarked on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”
During a meeting at the White House on Friday with governors from both parties, Trump singled out Maine Governor Janet Mills, warning that her state would lose federal funding if it does not adhere to an executive order prohibiting transgender athletes from participating on women’s sports teams. Mills retorted, “See you in court.”
Hochul asserted that Trump and his administration are “flooding the zone,” referencing existing disputes over FEMA recovery funds in California, lawsuits in Illinois, and the incident involving Mills.
“Their objective is to stage an array of activities that serve as distractions for us,” Hochul expressed. “In football, when the zone is flooded, defenders need to be disciplined and smart while firmly holding their position.”
Additionally, Hochul convened privately with Trump at the White House on Friday, mere days after his administration revoked federal authorization for congestion pricing in New York City.
The Trump administration announced last week that it would retract the approval for New York City’s congestion pricing, which mandates $9 tolls for drivers entering lower Manhattan and Midtown during peak hours. Trump proclaimed on Truth Social that “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD,” positioning himself as the savior of New York and declaring “LONG LIVE THE KING!”
Hochul has vowed to oppose this action, promoting the program that has been operational since January and revealing that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has begun legal proceedings. She expressed confidence on Sunday that the state will prevail in court, allowing the program to persist, and also criticized the president’s notion of himself as a king.
“I take issue with that characterization because we endured a king 250 years ago, and as I’ve said, we are not returning to that,” Hochul stated.
Hochul’s discussion with Trump also coincided with federal prosecutors in New York filing a motion to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Amid this controversy, Hochul recently asserted that she would not remove Adams from office. She clarified on Sunday that she did not address this topic during her meeting with the president, but emphasized, “We will not permit the Trump administration to meddle in the governance of our city.”
“I understand that many are frustrated and want immediate action, but I steadfastly believe that we are a nation of laws, and the governor of New York should not impose her voice and will to override the choices of the voters,” Hochul continued.
Hochul committed to being the “firewall against the Trump administration’s attempts to intrude upon our operations.”
