New York Governor Kathy Hochul stirred controversy with her dismissive remarks regarding attendees at former President Donald Trump’s recent rally in the Bronx. Hochul, appearing on CNN’s “The Lead,” disparaged the diverse crowd of working-class Americans who gathered to hear Trump speak, labeling them as “clowns.”
CNN host Jake Tapper began by stating: “Donald Trump, former President Trump, he’s holding an event shortly in the Bronx in an effort to attract voters of color, Latinos and African Americans — historically a loyal voting block for Democrats, especially African Americans.”
In response to a question from Tapper about Trump’s efforts to attract voters of color, Hochul took a derogatory stance, asserting that Trump’s presence in the Bronx was merely a spectacle. “The truth is this is a sport, this is politics of margins. What more do Democrats need to do to solidify and mobilize their base?” Tapper asked.
Hochul’s response echoed the sentiment of disdain, as she remarked, “Well, I’ll tell you what won’t make a difference at all Jake and that is for Donald Trump to be the ringleader and invite all his clowns to a place like the Bronx. New York will never, ever support Donald Trump for president. We know him better than anyone and that means we understand what he’s all about is just for himself. So this state will go solidly behind Joe Biden for president as it has in the past.”
WOW — Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul says President Trump's New York supporters are "clowns" pic.twitter.com/rX8kqQkxU3
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 23, 2024
Her comments drew criticism for their derogatory tone towards citizens exercising their democratic right to engage with political discourse.
Long-time Bronx resident, Lou Valentino, just ROASTED Kathy Hochul after attending the Trump Bronx rally:
“There were a lot of Bronx residents out there to see Trump and she called us clowns. Another L. Another Loss. Last time she said ‘black kids don’t know what a computer… pic.twitter.com/3GJbGg7693
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 24, 2024
Despite Trump’s relatively modest support in New York, with only 16% of the vote in the Bronx and 37.8% statewide in 2020, Hochul’s disparaging remarks underscore a growing political divide.
Meanwhile, recent polling data suggests a shifting political landscape, with Trump gaining ground in key battleground states. A Cook Political Report survey released Thursday indicated Trump’s lead over Biden in several critical states, highlighting the former president’s traction on economic issues.
As the rhetoric intensifies ahead of the next election cycle, Hochul’s comments serve as a reminder of the polarized nature of American politics and the challenges of bridging ideological divides.
