Hochul Refuses to Fund Statue of Liberty During Shutdown, Putting Landmark at Risk

The partial shutdown of the federal government has reignited political tensions in New York as Governor Kathy Hochul announced she would not allocate state funds to keep the Statue of Liberty open during the funding crisis. The move, first reported by The New York Times, represents a sharp contrast to her predecessor Andrew Cuomo who in 2018 stepped in to ensure the nation’s most iconic monument remained accessible when a similar budget impasse occurred.

Instead of offering state support, Hochul shifted blame to Republicans in Washington, characterizing their actions as “cruel and senseless.” In her statement, she argued that “if Lady Liberty’s iconic torch goes dark, it will be thanks to the Washington Republicans who refused common sense and abandoned the people they were elected to represent.”

While Hochul placed responsibility squarely on the GOP, critics point out that the shutdown followed a Democratic-led rejection of a stopgap bill that would have extended federal funding until November 21st. In fact, all but three Senate Democrats voted against the temporary measure, directly paving the way for the shutdown.

The governor’s refusal to follow Cuomo’s example has raised questions about her priorities and leadership. During the 2018 shutdown, Cuomo used state funds to preserve operations at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island recognizing their importance not only as cultural and historical landmarks but also as vital contributors to New York’s economy. Last year alone, more than 3.7 million people visited the Statue of Liberty generating significant tourism revenue for the state. Allowing the site to close, even temporarily, would deliver both an economic hit and a symbolic setback at a time when New York businesses continue to recover from financial strain.

The governor has stressed the damage a prolonged shutdown could cause, but her unwillingness to use state resources to keep open one of America’s most enduring symbols has left many wondering whether she is more interested in politics than solutions.

Hochul Refuses to Fund Statue of Liberty During Shutdown, Putting Landmark at Risk