(scypre.com) – In a press conference marked by both measured congratulation and firm resolve, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James addressed the recent presidential election results, underscoring their commitment to safeguard New York’s values. Though both officials extended courtesy to President-elect Donald Trump, they made it clear that any federal policies aiming to undermine New York’s hard-won rights would face a vigorous defense.
“Congratulations to President-elect Trump,” Hochul stated on Wednesday. “And let’s not forget the hard-fought campaign of his opponents, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who highlighted issues close to the hearts of so many Americans.” But her praise was quickly followed by caution. “I want to be very clear that while we respect the democratic process, we’re not going to sit by and let Washington strip away the rights that New Yorkers cherish,” she added.
Breaking 🚨
— @Chicago1Ray 🇺🇸 (@Chicago1Ray) November 6, 2024
Letitia James comes unglued with a bazaar rant on Trumps victory just now
" We're ready to respond to any attempt to roll back our rights,"
(RP) if you want Trump to ask his AG to look into how Letitia James has ($15M) in the bank while making ($103K) annually pic.twitter.com/XZR1PcMCl4
Hochul reminded New Yorkers of the state’s legacy as a leader in the women’s rights, environmental justice, LGBTQ rights, and labor rights movements. “New York has always been a bastion of freedom and the rule of law,” she asserted. Hochul’s tone was one of determination, addressing New Yorkers who may feel uncertain about the national political shift.
To strengthen protections, Hochul announced the Empire State Freedom Initiative, a new program aimed at shielding state rights from potential federal encroachment. “We are taking proactive steps to protect New Yorkers in areas that may face federal threats,” Hochul explained, listing protections for reproductive rights, civil rights, immigration, gun safety, labor rights, LGBTQ rights, and environmental justice.
The initiative, according to Hochul, will employ every tool available—legislation, rulemaking, appropriations, and partnerships with congressional allies, including the Biden administration. She also appealed to Trump directly, urging him to back critical state infrastructure projects such as those in partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and economic initiatives funded by the CHIPS and Science Act.
“I will work with him, or anyone else, to make sure these projects are successful,” Hochul added. “But if the administration tries to roll back the rights New Yorkers have fought hard to secure, I will oppose it at every step. New Yorkers have been resilient before, and we will be again.”
Attorney General Letitia James joined Hochul in both congratulating and challenging the incoming administration. While expressing willingness to cooperate with Trump’s team “if possible,” James was unequivocal about her office’s commitment to upholding New York’s laws and values.
“My office has been preparing for several months for this outcome,” James said. “We’ve faced this challenge before, and we have always turned to the rule of law to stand our ground. As New York’s attorney general, I will not shrink from my responsibility to protect New Yorkers.”
From 2019 to 2021, James’ office launched nearly 100 legal actions against Trump’s previous administration, fighting against policies that would have capped state and local taxes, restricted funding for local law enforcement, weakened the Affordable Care Act, altered the census process, and curtailed postal services. “We know the Trump administration’s playbook,” she said, assuring New Yorkers that contingency plans are in place for any attempts to cut funding or compromise state programs.
James emphasized that her office would not hesitate to intervene again if federal policies threaten New York’s values. “Despite what’s happening on the national stage, we will stand tall against injustice, revenge, or retribution,” she affirmed.
In her closing remarks, James urged New Yorkers not to give in to fear. “This is not the time to be fearful, New York, but to remain faithful and steadfast. My team and I are guardians of the law, and we are ready, my friends, to fight back.”
As the state gears up for what may be a contentious relationship with Washington, Hochul and James expressed confidence in New York’s resilience and commitment to progress. New York, they reminded the public, has navigated challenging political climates before and emerged stronger for it. And if the administration seeks to diminish New Yorkers’ rights, Hochul, James, and their teams are prepared to act.