Tensions between New York and the Trump Administration reached a boiling point after President Trump pulled federal funding from the state and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and others. The move came in response to New York’s sanctuary city policies, sparking outrage from Hochul, who didn’t hold back during her appearance on CBS News’ Face the Nation.
During the interview, Hochul fiercely defended her state and its policies, saying she’s prepared to fight back. “We’re not going back to being ruled by kings,” she said, referencing Trump’s unilateral decision to shut down a state-approved congestion pricing program. “He tweets something, and suddenly it’s law? That’s not how democracy works.”
Attorney General Bondi, speaking at a press conference, explained the legal action. “We’ve filed charges against the state of New York, Governor Hochul, AG Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder,” she stated. Bondi added that the current Department of Justice under Trump is taking a tough stance on illegal immigration. “New York put undocumented immigrants before its own citizens. That ends now.”
Bondi also noted that similar actions had already been taken in Illinois, and New York ignored prior warnings. “Now it’s your turn,” she said firmly.
Back on Face the Nation, CBS host Margaret Brennan pressed Hochul on her recent private meeting with Trump in Washington. Hochul admitted the meeting was “contentious,” but emphasized that she made her position clear. “Our traffic problem is real, and we had a solution. Trump decided to cancel it with a tweet. That’s not leadership.”
She continued, “I told him directly—I won’t be silenced, and I won’t let my state be bullied. The people of New York deserve better.”
When asked about the threat of losing federal funds—40% of New York’s budget comes from Washington—Hochul didn’t flinch. “Yes, they’re going after California, Maine, and Illinois, too. It’s a political show. But we’re not going to stand by while our rights are stripped away.”
Using a football analogy, Hochul added, “If they flood the field, we’ll play smart defense. We’ll stand strong, stay disciplined, and push back.”
Despite the tension, Hochul said she’s open to working with Trump on areas of shared interest, like infrastructure and public safety. But she made one thing clear: “Don’t expect us to roll over. If you come after New York, we’ll respond.”