Trump, Kathy Hochul had ‘productive’ White House meeting after governor said she would lead Dem ‘resistance’

A Productive Meeting at the White House: Gov. Kathy Hochul and President TrumpDiscuss Key Issues

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and President Trump met at the White House on Friday for a discussion that was described as "productive" by Hochul’s office. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including the redevelopment of Penn Station, congestion pricing, tariffs, and energy policy. According to a spokesperson for Hochul, while no formal agreements or decisions were reached during the meeting, both sides expressed a willingness to continue the dialogue in the coming weeks. The White House confirmed the meeting but noted that it was off the record, with no further details provided to the public.

Key Topics on the Agenda: From Infrastructure to Energy Policy

The meeting between Hochul and Trump was significant, as it addressed several pressing issues affecting New York and the nation. One of the key topics discussed was the redevelopment of Penn Station, a major transportation hub in New York City. Both leaders also talked about congestion pricing, a contentious issue that has recently sparked tension between Hochul and the Trump administration. Additionally, tariffs and energy policy were on the agenda, reflecting the broader economic and environmental challenges facing the country. Trump had previously mentioned his interest in reviving the Constitution natural gas pipeline, which would run from Pennsylvania to New York, as another point of discussion.

Rising Tensions Over Congestion Pricing

Despite the productive tone of the meeting, there are clear signs of tension between Hochul and Trump, particularly over congestion pricing. The Trump administration has taken a strong stance against the policy, with the president recently ordering its termination by next Friday. In response, Trump took to his X account to declare, "CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!" Hochul wasted no time in firing back, criticizing the president’s remarks during a press conference. "I’m here to say New York hasn’t labored under a king in over 250 years. We sure as hell are not gonna start now," she said, as reported by FOX 5.

Hochul also highlighted the disconnect between the White House’s perception of reality and the actual challenges faced by New Yorkers. She emphasized the everyday struggles of commuters, stating, "I guarantee that the president has never had to endure missing a child’s sporting event because he was stuck on a delayed train." Her comments underscored the frustration many New Yorkers feel about the federal government’s intervention in local transportation policies.

Hochul’s Evolving Stance: From Olive Branch to Resistance

Just a few weeks ago, Hochul seemed to take a more conciliatory approach to her relationship with Trump. She mentioned offering an olive branch, suggesting collaboration on infrastructure projects like the redevelopment of Penn Station. "We’ll work with you on infrastructure. Let’s redo Penn Station," she said during an interview with NPR’s "Morning Edition." However, her tone shifted dramatically after the Trump administration moved to block New York City’s congestion pricing toll last month.

By earlier this month, Hochul declared that she would "lead the resistance" against Trump’s policies, particularly those that directly harm New Yorkers. "Once you draw first blood on us, we’re coming back hard," she said, signaling a more combative approach. This shift in stance reflects the escalating tensions between the two leaders and the growing rift over key policy issues.

A Battle for State Sovereignty and Local Decision-Making

Hochul’s recent statements highlight her determination to fight for New York’s interests in the face of federal interference. She has framed the conflict as a matter of state sovereignty, asserting that decisions about congestion pricing and other local policies should be made by New Yorkers, not the federal government. "This is our decision, not yours," she said, emphasizing her commitment to protecting her state’s autonomy.

At the same time, the meeting at the White House suggests that both sides are still open to dialogue, even as they prepare for potential battles ahead. The outcome of this tension will likely have significant implications not only for New York but also for the relationship between state and federal governments on infrastructure and environmental policies. As the conversation continues in the coming weeks, all eyes will be on whether Hochul and Trump can find common ground or if their differences will deepen further.