Trump says one governor is driving America's 'communist attack', it's Hochul

President Trump accused Gov Kathy Hochul of fueling crime and illegal immigration, calling New York the clearest example of a 'communist attack'
President Donald Trump delivered a law-and-order speech on Long Island, where he sharply criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul (Michael M Santiago/Getty Images, AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
President Donald Trump delivered a law-and-order speech on Long Island, where he sharply criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul (Michael M Santiago/Getty Images, AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)


LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday, August 14, declaring that "nowhere is the communist attack on American society more clear than here in New York State" as he blamed the Democratic governor's crime and immigration policies for putting residents at risk.

Speaking at the Nassau County Police Academy on Long Island, Trump cited New York's no-cash bail law, parole reforms, taxpayer-funded legal assistance for undocumented immigrants, and the state's sanctuary policies as examples of what he called failed leadership under Hochul.

Trump lists crime policy grievances

President Donald Trump speaks at the David Mack Center for Training and Intelligence, Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Garden City, N.Y. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Trump said Republicans support a 'common sense' approach to public safety centered on stronger policing, tougher sentencing, and stricter immigration enforcement (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Trump opened his criticism by calling Hochul "very, very bad on crime" and "a nightmare," before arguing that New York's no-cash bail law allows dangerous offenders to return to the streets immediately after arrest.

He also claimed Hochul supported the release of convicted killers responsible for killing New York police officers and accused her of signing legislation that weakened parole enforcement for convicted felons.

Calling the policies "the craziest thing" he had seen, Trump argued that public safety had been replaced by what he described as political ideology.

Immigration becomes central focus

Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, right, celebrates with New York Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani, left, during an election rally at Forest Hills Stadium on October 26, 2025 in the Queens borough of New York City. The mayoral election will take place on November 4, 2025. (Photo by Andres Kudacki/Getty Images)
Trump also targeted New York's sanctuary policies, claiming they protected undocumented immigrants and put public safety at risk (Andres Kudacki/Getty Images)

Trump then shifted to immigration, criticizing Hochul for providing taxpayer-funded legal representation to undocumented immigrants.

He also attacked New York's sanctuary policies, claiming Hochul recently signed legislation making New York a "sanctuary state."

"Migrant criminals" would be released from jail and "set loose on innocent New Yorkers," Trump alleged, saying the policy placed communities across the state at risk.

Trump also repeated his claim that roughly 25 million people entered the United States under the previous administration, arguing stronger immigration enforcement remains necessary.

President contrasts competing approaches

FILE - President Donald Trump boards Air Force One, Aug. 7, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)
President Donald Trump boards Air Force One, August 7, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

Throughout the address, Trump repeatedly framed his approach to policing and immigration enforcement as "common sense," contrasting it with Democratic-backed measures he said had made New York harder to live in

The remarks came during Trump's appearance on Long Island, where he also promoted his administration's public safety agenda and highlighted recently released FBI crime statistics.

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