New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, who have spent years prosecuting and smearing Donald Trump, are against any possible “vengeance or retribution” now that President-elect Trump is back. to the White House, where he vowed to fight back.
Hochul congratulated President Trump at a press conference Wednesday, while also praising his opponent, Vice President Harris, and his running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, as “a tough and demanding organization that truly raises issues of great importance to Americans.” He praised the campaign for a “battling election campaign.”
She acknowledged that the results may not have been what many expected, but reassured voters that New York has been through difficult times.
“That’s why I have confidence in my team and all the people we work closely with that we can weather the uncertainty of a new administration in Washington, because as I said, , because we’ve done the same thing before,” Hochul said. “Let’s be clear: We respect the results of this election and intend to work with those who want to be partners in achieving our administration’s goals in the state, but that is not an agenda from Washington. “That does not mean accepting New Yorkers’ rights that they have enjoyed for years.” ”
Hochul, a former aide to the governor of New York who is accused of spying for China, toured the White House.
Letitia James (left) and Kathy Hochul (Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The governor reminded the public that New York State is the birthplace of the women’s rights movement, the environmental justice movement, the LGBTQ rights movement, and the American labor movement, and the state will continue to be a “bastion” of freedom and the rule of law. He said that it will continue to be.
He also announced the creation of the Empire State Freedom Initiative, which will focus on areas that Hochul and other state officials believe could be threatened by the Trump administration. He said the initiative provides protections for reproductive rights, civil rights, immigration, gun safety, worker rights, LGBTQ rights and environmental justice.
“Our team will do whatever it takes to identify potential threats to these rights we hold dear in New York State and protect New Yorkers,” Hochul said. . “This includes legislation, rulemaking, appropriations and, at this time, partnerships with our Congressional delegation, including the Biden administration.”
Shocking fact: Trump has higher approval ratings than governors in deep blue states
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul congratulated President-elect Trump on his election victory, but said she and other state officials were ready to fight any attempt to strip the state of funding. (Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
He called on President Trump to support New York City’s continued efforts to secure funding for major critical infrastructure in the MTA and to support economic development projects such as those funded by the Chips and Science Act.
“I will work with him and anyone, regardless of party, on these types of initiatives that we know will benefit New York state,” Hochul said. “But if you try to harm New Yorkers or strip them of their rights, I will fight you every step of the way. New Yorkers are resilient. We fought first. , will fight again.”
James also congratulated President Trump on his victory, but not without malice.
She told New Yorkers that she and other state officials intend to work with the Trump administration “if possible,” but without compromising the state’s integrity or principles.
Harris lost to Trump and became the second Democratic candidate to not speak to supporters on election night.
New York Attorney General Letitia James (Countess Jemal/Getty Images/File from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation)
“We did not expect this outcome, but we are prepared for this outcome. And my office has been here before, so we have been preparing for several months.” Mr. James said. “We have faced this challenge before and used the rule of law to fight back. And as attorney general of this great state, it is my job to protect and defend the rights of new citizens. I am ready to fight back again because of Yorker and the rule of law, and I will not shy away from that responsibility. ”
James said that from 2019 to 2021, her office filed nearly 100 legal actions against the former Trump administration, including attempts to cap state and local taxes. , including when he tried to eliminate funding and grants for law enforcement officers in New York.
James said her office also fought to protect the Affordable Care Act, stop the citizenship question from being asked on the census, stop the dismantling of the U.S. Postal Service, and more. .
He also said he is aware of the Trump administration’s strategy and has contingency plans in place to respond to any attack on the nation.
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“As outlined by the Governor, we stand ready to respond to any attempt to reduce or eliminate funding for the great state of New York,” James said. “Therefore, no matter what happens on the national stage, we will continue to stand firm against injustice, revenge or retaliation.
“Fellows of New York, now is not the time to fear. As Attorney General, I and my entire team are the guardians of the law, and my friends, I am loyal and steadfast because I know that we are ready to fight. Go back,” she added.
The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on this story.
