Hochul has ‘very cordial’ call with Trump following combative press conference with AG James
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently reached out to President-elect Trump in an effort to reaffirm their potential for collaboration in key areas such as infrastructure. The call, which took place on Thursday, came on the heels of a press conference where Attorney General Letitia James made a strong statement vowing to fight against the Trump administration and protect the rights of New Yorkers.
During a post-election event in Puerto Rico, Hochul described the call as cordial and emphasized her willingness to work with anyone for the betterment of the state. She highlighted infrastructure as a critical area where federal funding is essential, citing projects like the expansion of the Second Avenue Subway in Manhattan and the renovation of Penn Station.
The need for federal funding is particularly crucial for projects like the Micron semiconductor plant near Syracuse, which could potentially bring thousands of jobs to Central New York. Hochul also mentioned the importance of upgrading Penn Station, which has faced challenges in recent years, including issues with homelessness and deteriorating infrastructure.
In addition to discussing infrastructure, Hochul and Trump also touched on the possibility of federal support for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Hochul has proposed implementing congestion pricing as a means of generating revenue for the MTA, but Trump has previously expressed opposition to this plan.
Despite their differences, Hochul expressed optimism about the potential for collaboration with the incoming administration. She emphasized the need to protect the rights of New Yorkers, particularly in areas such as abortion, civil rights, immigration, gun control, and LGBTQ rights.
Overall, Hochul’s outreach to President-elect Trump signals a willingness to find common ground and work together in areas of mutual interest. As the state continues to navigate complex infrastructure challenges and seek federal support, Hochul remains committed to advocating for the needs of New Yorkers and ensuring that critical projects move forward.
