Hochul Declares Her Intent of Leading the “Resistance” Against Trump’s Policies

By: Nick Carroway

GKathy Hochul is positioning herself as a fierce opponent of President Donald Trump, declaring Monday that she will lead the “resistance” against his policies—despite previously downplaying such a role.

“If you draw first blood on us, we’re coming back hard, and I will be leading the resistance on policies like these where you’re hurting New Yorkers directly,” Hochul said during an NPR “Morning Edition” interview.

The remarks mark a dramatic shift from her stance just weeks ago when she insisted she was focused on governing, not leading any opposition to Trump.

“I’ve been asked countless times, ‘Are you leading the resistance?’—No, I’m governing the great state of New York,” she had told reporters.

 

A Shift in Tone

Hochul initially struck a cooperative tone with the Trump administration when he took office, sources told the New York Post. She even congratulated him on his 2016 victory and engaged in talks about collaboration.

However, after the U.S. Department of Transportation blocked New York’s congestion pricing plan, Hochul adopted a more combative stance—holding a profanity-laced press conference, likening herself to Rambo, and launching a lawsuit to challenge the federal decision.

Her campaign quickly capitalized on the moment, releasing an ad featuring a slow-motion clip of Hochul in a windbreaker walking through the subway, reminiscent of an action movie scene.

 

Political Strategy at Play

While Hochul has had direct meetings with Trump—discussing infrastructure projects like Penn Station renovations—her efforts have yet to yield tangible results. Meanwhile, her approval ratings remain dismal, with a recent Siena College poll showing that 57% of New Yorkers prefer a different candidate for governor in 2026.

Political experts told the New York Post that Hochul’s aggressive stance against Trump could be a strategic move to boost her standing.

“It’s a plus because she’s making Trump a target. Targets work in politics,” said Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist College polling institute.

Still, some argue Hochul’s resistance rebrand needs to be backed by real victories.

“New Yorkers are savvy,” Democratic strategist Jon Reinish told The Post. “You have to come back with receipts that you’ve gone toe-to-toe and won.”

 

Critics Call It Political Posturing

Despite her recent rhetoric, Hochul’s critics remain skeptical, arguing she has always been anti-Trump but is now amplifying her stance for political gain.

“She is just readily looking for ways to push back at him for political gain,” said New York State Conservative Party chairman Jerry Kassar.

“She says one thing and does another, but she’s dealing with a New Yorker who is very intuitive on false rhetoric,” Kassar added.

As Hochul gears up for re-election, she has brought on seasoned political strategist Preston Elliott, who has worked on campaigns for Sen. Jon Tester and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

With her campaign ramping up, Hochul’s fight against Trump may serve as a defining theme in her bid for a second full term.