Gov. Hochul, AG James Plan New Initiatives In Response To Trump Win

NEW YORK CITY – Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James announced measures to protect New Yorkers' rights as President-Elect Donald Trump prepares to take office for a second term.

The measures include a new initiative, the Empire State Freedom Initiative, which aims to guard against potential federal threats to reproductive rights, civil rights, immigration, gun safety, the environment, and other abuses of power or federal efforts to harm New Yorkers.

A coalition of state experts, from within Hochul’s administration, will “develop strategies for protecting New Yorkers from a variety of policy and regulatory threats that could emerge under President-elect Trump,” according to a press release.

The team includes representatives from the Governor's Office of Federal Affairs, the Office of the Counsel, the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and other relevant agencies. It's already begun assessing possible risks and devising comprehensive plans to protect residents, according to Hochul.

Voters approved Proposition 1 on Tuesday, enshrining abortion access in the state constitution. This move, supported by both the governor and the attorney general, strengthens New York’s stance on reproductive rights and shields abortion providers through the state’s updated Shield Law.

Steps like these may be vital in safeguarding New Yorkers' freedoms, Hochul emphasized.

In addition to reproductive rights, the new initiative addresses climate goals and gun safety, with Hochul’s office leading the ongoing Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns to curb gun violence and prevent illegal weapons from crossing state lines.

Hochul also co-chairs the U.S. Climate Alliance, which is committed to state-led climate initiatives and advancing net-zero goals despite any potential federal changes.

"As Attorney General, I will always stand up to protect New Yorkers," James said, affirming that her office is prepared to defend against any potential challenges that might arise under the incoming administration.

The comments echo similar statements made by New York City Mayor Eric Adams earlier on Wednesday, who also stressed his desire to maintain lines of communication with the President Elect.

However, at that press briefing, officials could not give specifics on what City Hall could do to protect immigrants from mass deportations – something Trump has previously said he would do.