Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James recently held a press conference to announce their plans to oppose policies from the Trump administration they claim could infringe upon New Yorkers’ rights. However, critics argue that these Democratic leaders have already taken actions that undermine the freedoms they now claim to defend.
At the press conference, Hochul introduced the “Empire State Freedom Initiative” as a means to protect New Yorkers from federal policies on immigration, labor and LGBTQ+ rights. Hochul’s COVID-era policies, however, tell a different story. She was a prominent supporter of restrictive lockdown measures, mask mandates and even discussed state monitoring efforts to enforce compliance. Many New Yorkers remember these actions as infringing on individual liberties rather than protecting them.
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 spent significant time and resources on legal cases against Trump, expressed her readiness to “fight back” against policies from the incoming administration. Yet, her aggressive pursuit of Trump has led to questions about whether her office is more focused on targeting political rivals than upholding justice.
BREAKING: Governor Hochul announces a Ministry Of Truth for students in NY pic.twitter.com/hrXOjS5OV2
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 21, 2023
State Republicans, including GOP chair Ed Cox, were quick to respond, calling the press conference “tone-deaf.” Cox criticized the leaders for presenting themselves as defenders of rights while supporting policies that many believe restricted New Yorkers’ freedoms. He argued that their actions show a disregard for civil liberties and questioned their true priorities.
NYS..HOCHUL AND JAMES ARE ANTI PRESIDENT TRUMP pic.twitter.com/fMctyyu09u
— ILLEGAL MIGRANT GANGS TERRORIZING CITIZENS (@HoganMikee) November 7, 2024
The statements from Hochul and James have left some New Yorkers skeptical, with critics calling their stance hypocritical. As they prepare to clash with Trump, they face growing scrutiny over their past policies. Many are questioning whether Hochul and James truly represent the interests of their constituents or if their actions are motivated by political agendas.