Navigating a Second Trump Term: How New York Plans to Respond
As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, New York’s Democratic leadership is charting a course through what they expect will be choppy political waters. While California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has emerged as a vocal opponent, Governor Kathy Hochul is taking a more measured approach, seeking alliances where possible while preparing to protect New York’s interests where necessary.
Congestion Pricing Takes Center Stage
One of burl’s most prominent preemptive strikes against a second Trump administration is her push for congestion pricing in Manhattan.
Starting January 5th, drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street will be levied a $9 toll, aiming to reduce traffic while raising funds for public transit. The timing is deliberate: by implementing this new policy right before Trump takes office, the Hochul administration hopes to make it harder for the incoming President to overturn it.
Trump, who recently stated he “strongly disagrees” with the plan without committing to a reversal, has clashed with New York over policy before, setting the stage for a potential showdown.
Immigrant Rights: A Line in the Sand
Trump’s stance on immigration is a major concern for New York, which has long championed a welcoming posture toward immigrants. New York’s designated “sanctuary” status under a previous administration appears safe for now. However, Trump’s promise to ramp up deportations has advocates holding their breath. The New York Immigration Coalition is urging Hochul to go further, championing the New York For All Act which would extend protections to local law enforcement, adding another hard-fought dimension to the national debate. Hochul remains uncommitted to the bill, but she has emphasized that she’s willing to partner with federal authorities when immigrants commit crimes.
This nuanced approach reflects New York’s position effectively poised between protecting its immigrant communities and navigating the federal government on immigration enforcement.
Navigating the Electric Vehicle Landscape
Trump has hinted he might eliminate federal tax incentives for electric vehicle purchases. This move would directly impact New York, which already boasts modest incentives for electric vehicle purchases. Hochul could bolster these incentives to soften the blow directed at electric cars. Local environmental advocates see this as an opportunity to step up, explaining, “If the federal government steps back,” the state must step in, already seeing the encroachment on climate policy.
New York is closely watching California’s lead, as the state negotiates a pending federal waiver allowing them to phase out gasoline powered cars by 2035. New York, along with other states, has adopted a similar plan, making this federal support crucial for state level climate goals.
Trump’s position is unpredictable, ensuring New York’s future collision courses with federal oversight on climate are still under development.
Enshrining Rights in the Constitution
New Yorkers’ recent votes reflect their desire to protect social progress. New York voters approved an amendment adding strong anti-discrimination protections to the state constitution. This amendment safeguards, amongst other things, LGBTQ+ rights, access to reproductive healthcare, and more. This entrenched protection aims to shield these liberties, significantly harder to overturn, from federal rollbacks on reproductive rights.
Despite the affirmation, advocates acknowledge that this shield can be challenged. The constitution offers little protection against a federal ban on abortion. New Yorkers eagerly await details on how Hochul’s administration intends to actively defend these gains, setting the stage for likely future legal battles.
The Democratic-controlled New York State Legislature reconvened
