Trump warns Kathy Hochul to 'watch yourself', NY governor says she won’t be intimidated

Donald Trump mocked Kathy Hochul by impersonating her and claiming she frequently called him seeking federal assistance for various state issues
President Donald Trump intensified his long-running feud with New York Governor Kathy Hochul during a political rally (Getty Images)
President Donald Trump intensified his long-running feud with New York Governor Kathy Hochul during a political rally (Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: President Donald Trump intensified his ongoing feud with New York Gov Kathy Hochul during a political appearance in New York, telling the Democratic governor, “You better watch yourself, Kathy,” while mocking what he described as her repeated calls to his office.

Trump made the remarks while addressing supporters and discussing his relationship with New York political leaders.

President Donald Trump speaks at Rockland Community College, Friday, May 22, 2026, in Suffern, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump speaks at Rockland Community College, Friday, May 22, 2026, in Suffern, NY (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump and Kathy Hochul continue long-running political battle

The relationship between Trump and Hochul has remained tense throughout Trump’s return to office, with the two clashing repeatedly over immigration enforcement, federal funding and public transportation policy.

According to reports, the president sarcastically referred to Hochul as a “nice woman” before claiming she frequently contacted him seeking federal assistance and political cooperation.



“She calls me up a lot. I immediately know it’s her because I do have friends in Buffalo, but they haven’t called me too much lately,” Trump said Friday at a Rockland County rally, before impersonating the Democrat.

“Hi, Mr President, it’s Kathy. Hi! Hi! Could you help me here, could you help me there? And we’re having a little problem getting this, and we’re trying to get that. Could you give me a little hand?” Trump mimicked the governor, telling him. “I say, ‘Kathy you’re always killing me, why the hell would I give you — ?’ ‘Well, I just thought I’d try. Okay. Thank you very much.’ And the next day she goes out, ‘We must stop Donald Trump.’ It’s crazy. Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (R) and former New York City Mayor Mik
According to reports, the president sarcastically referred to Kathy Hochul as a 'nice woman' before claiming she frequently contacted him seeking federal assistance and political cooperation (Getty Images)

The exchange marked the latest escalation in the increasingly personal political battle between Trump and Democratic officials in New York.

Kathy Hochul says she will not be ‘intimidated’ by Trump

Hochul’s response focused not only on Trump but also on Republicans aligned with the MAGA movement, accusing them of harming New Yorkers while she continued pushing policies focused on affordability and state protections.

The governor’s mention of Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive and a prominent Trump ally, added another political layer to the dispute as speculation continues surrounding future statewide races in New York.

“I won’t be intimidated by Trump, or any spineless MAGA coward like my opponent Bruce Blakeman. While they’re busy screwing over New Yorkers, I’m fighting like hell to lower costs and protect New Yorkers from his attacks. Game on.”



Trump has repeatedly attacked Hochul over crime, immigration and congestion pricing policies, frequently framing New York Democrats as the source of the state’s economic and public safety woes.

Meanwhile, Hochul has characterized Trump and the MAGA Republicans as threats to abortion rights, democratic institutions and federal funding priorities.

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