The MeidasTouch Podcast: New York Gov. Hochul Responds to Trump’s Disastrous Policies

Podcast Information:

• Title: The MeidasTouch Podcast
• Host/Author: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)
• Episode: New York Gov Hochul Responds to Trump’s Disastrous Policies
• Release Date: March 5, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers engage in a profound discussion with New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The focus centers on the adverse effects of former President Donald Trump’s policies on New York State, particularly highlighting tariffs, federal job cuts, Medicaid reductions, and the broader implications for democracy and the American populace.

Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on New York Farmers

Timestamp: [01:11]

Governor Hochul vehemently criticizes the Trump administration’s implementation of tariffs against Canada and Mexico, emphasizing their detrimental effects on New York’s agricultural sector. She states:

“This is just another devastating policy from the Trump administration. ... This is going to crush the livelihoods of people who supported them. These are your supporters you're killing.” ([01:11])

She elaborates on the dependence of New York farmers on Canadian exports for their products, supplies, and essential materials like fertilizer and sawdust. Hochul underscores the irrationality of these tariffs, arguing they inflict immediate hardship without delivering the promised long-term gains.

Federal Job Cuts and the Assault on Public Servants

Timestamp: [02:26]

The conversation shifts to the Trump administration’s federal job cuts and the proposed $880 billion reduction in Medicaid funding. Governor Hochul passionately denounces these actions:

“They’re killing us. ... These are essential people and they're treated as if they're like disposable tissue.” ([02:26])

Hochul highlights the invaluable contributions of federal employees—ranging from lawyers and engineers to social workers and researchers—who safeguard national security and public health. She introduces New York’s proactive response with the “You’re Hired” campaign, aiming to absorb displaced federal workers by offering nearly 7,000 open positions across the state.

Medicaid Cuts and Their Dire Consequences

Timestamp: [03:35]

Governor Hochul addresses the severe implications of Medicaid cuts, particularly for rural communities and vulnerable populations. She shares a poignant account from a recent visit to a Queens hospital:

“They’re not going to make it home. ... So many of them.” ([04:00])

Hochul describes witnessing critically ill children and stressed parents, illustrating the human cost of reduced Medicaid funding. She urges New Yorkers to mobilize and hold Republicans accountable, emphasizing that electoral consequences are forthcoming as Democrats prepare for the 2026 elections.

Responding to the White House’s Unusual Behavior

Timestamp: [05:41]

The discussion takes a turn towards the unconventional actions of the White House, including Donald Trump’s bizarre social media posts like “Long Live the King” and altered Time magazine covers. Governor Hochul labels these actions as “next level insanity”:

“It's next level insanity. ... Who are you kidding here?” ([06:11])

She condemns the attempt to position Trump as a monarch-like figure, asserting the United States’ long-standing democratic principles. Hochul also criticizes Republican interference in state matters, such as traffic management and clean energy initiatives, reaffirming New York’s commitment to progressive policies.

Electoral Shifts and the Future of New York Politics

Timestamp: [07:20]

Governor Hochul reflects on recent political events, including a town hall at Hofstra University where Congressmember Suozzi received a standing ovation for condemning Trump’s attacks on Ukrainian President Zelensky. She highlights the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee’s negative reactions to such town halls, which they accuse of featuring “paid actors”:

“It’s so painful, the way that he just tried to embarrass a brave, courageous individual ... villains.” ([09:40])

Hochul emphasizes New York’s strong Ukrainian community and the importance of supporting democratic leaders like Zelensky. She predicts a significant backlash against Republican policies in the 2026 elections, driven by voter frustration with ongoing political turmoil.

Governor Hochul’s Initiatives for Affordability and Economic Relief

Timestamp: [10:51]

Governor Hochul outlines her administration’s initiatives aimed at enhancing affordability for New Yorkers. She details several monetary relief measures:

“My budget has plans to put upwards of $5,000 back in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers. ... families are going to get a $500 rebate.” ([11:02])

Key programs include a thousand-dollar child tax credit, middle-class tax cuts, and inflation rebates funded by additional sales tax revenue collected due to high inflation rates. Hochul underscores her personal connection to economic hardship, drawing from her upbringing, and pledges to continue supporting New Yorkers through proactive state policies.

Support for Ukraine and International Solidarity

Timestamp: [09:40]

Governor Hochul passionately advocates for unwavering support for Ukraine amidst its struggles against Russian aggression. She condemns Republicans’ attempts to undermine Ukraine’s leadership and emphasizes the importance of international solidarity:

“Republicans ought to hang their heads in shame ... stand with them.” ([09:40])

Hochul stresses that New York represents the largest Ukrainian population outside Ukraine, advocating for sustained financial and moral support to ensure Ukraine’s resilience and sovereignty.

Conclusion

In this episode, The MeidasTouch Podcast effectively navigates the complexities of New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s responses to Donald Trump’s policies. Through a blend of rigorous analysis and heartfelt advocacy, Hochul articulates the profound challenges facing New York and offers a vision for a resilient, progressive state poised to counteract federal policy adversities. The episode not only sheds light on the tangible impacts of political decisions but also reinforces the critical role of state leadership in safeguarding democratic values and supporting vulnerable communities.

Notable Quotes:

• Kathy Hochul at [01:11]:

  “This is going to crush the livelihoods of people who supported them. These are your supporters you're killing.”

• Kathy Hochul at [02:26]:

  “They’re killing us. ... These are essential people and they're treated as if they're like disposable tissue.”

• Kathy Hochul at [04:00]:

  “They’re not going to make it home. ... So many of them.”

• Kathy Hochul at [06:11]:

  “It's next level insanity. ... Who are you kidding here?”

• Kathy Hochul at [09:40]:

  “Republicans ought to hang their heads in shame ... stand with them.”

• Kathy Hochul at [11:02]:

  “My budget has plans to put upwards of $5,000 back in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers. ... families are going to get a $500 rebate.”

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented by Governor Kathy Hochul, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the episode’s critical themes and messages.