Has she lost her mind?
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has recently declared she will be “leading the resistance” against former President Donald Trump, a notable shift from her earlier statements. Just weeks ago, Hochul had expressed a different viewpoint, asserting she wasn’t focused on engaging in political opposition, but rather on governing the state.
In a recent interview with NPR’s Morning Edition, Hochul was asked about the Trump administration’s efforts to block New York City’s congestion pricing toll, which aims to charge a fee for vehicles entering Manhattan’s busiest areas. The program, which began in January, is part of New York’s broader strategy to ease traffic congestion and generate revenue for mass transit. Hochul made it clear that she would not let the federal government stand in the way, stating, “Once you draw first blood against us, we are coming back at you. And I am going to be leading the fight on policies like these where you are hurting New York residents directly. It’s our decision, not yours.”
This statement stands in stark contrast to her remarks just two weeks earlier when she told reporters, “I have been questioned several times times, ‘Will you lead the resistance?’ – No, I’m running the state of New York.” At that time, Hochul seemed to distance herself from political conflicts, preferring to focus on her leadership role within the state rather than engaging in partisan struggles.
The congestion pricing program has faced opposition from Trump’s administration, which ordered a halt to the initiative in response to concerns about its impact on New York residents. Despite meeting with Trump at the White House to advocate for the toll plan, Hochul later acknowledged that her efforts did little to sway the former president’s position.
Additionally, Hochul has framed Democratic governors as the key line of defense against Republican efforts to slash federal funding for social programs. She emphasized that it’s up to leaders in states like New York to stand firm against these threats, portraying her leadership as essential in protecting policies that benefit working-class Americans. This stance reflects her increasing willingness to take a more confrontational role in resisting federal policies she views as detrimental to her state’s well-being.
