President Donald Trump took aim at Governor Kathy Hochul during a campaign-style rally in New York on Friday, May 22nd, mocking what he described as repeated phone calls from the governor asking for federal help while simultaneously attacking him publicly.
Speaking before supporters in Rockland County, Trump mixed policy attacks with stand-up-comedian-style jabs, turning Hochul into one of the main punchlines of the evening as he criticized congestion pricing, New York politics and Democratic leadership.
“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 told the crowd before launching into an impersonation of the governor.
“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 then continued the bit by mocking his own response to her requests.
“I say, ‘Kathy you’re always killing me, why the hell would I give you . . . ?’”
He added:
“‘Well, I just thought I’d try. Okay. Thank you very much.’”
The crowd erupted as Trump described what he sees as a contradiction between Hochul privately asking for federal assistance while publicly positioning herself as one of his fiercest political opponents.
“And the next day she goes out, ‘We must stop Donald Trump.’ It’s crazy. Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
Despite the sharp criticism, Trump briefly softened his tone before immediately pivoting back into another insult.
“I don’t want to say anything negative. She’s a very nice woman. But she’s never going to take you to the promised land, ever. There will never be a promised land with Kathy.”
The exchange highlighted the political relationship that has developed between Trump and Hochul during his second term in the White House of confrontation, negotiation, and public spectacle.
One of the biggest issues dividing Trump and Hochul remains New York City’s controversial congestion pricing program.
Trump has repeatedly blasted the tolling system, which charges drivers entering Manhattan’s busiest areas, while Hochul has defended the program as necessary for transit funding and traffic reduction.
The two reportedly met privately inside the Oval Office shortly after Trump returned to office earlier this year where congestion pricing became one of the main topics discussed.
That meeting itself generated controversy after White House sources claimed Hochul told Trump:
“I control the judges.”
Hochul later denied making the statement.
Despite continued pressure from Trump’s administration and efforts by the U.S. Department of Transportation to block the tolling plan, congestion pricing remains in effect after a federal judge sided with New York in March.
The ruling is currently under appeal.
Trump’s comments also reinforced a broader political perception problem facing Hochul across parts of New York.
While the governor frequently positions herself nationally as a major opponent of Trump and Republican policies, she often simultaneously relies on federal support, funding and cooperation from Washington when politically necessary.
That balancing act has become increasingly visible as New York grapples with rising crime concerns, mounting migrant-related costs, infrastructure funding fights and growing frustration over affordability issues.
Critics have also hammered Hochul over rising utility bills, inflation pressures and congestion pricing itself, all while state residents – her actual constituents – face some of the nation’s highest taxes and living costs.
Friday’s rally gave Trump an opportunity to frame Hochul not as a powerful political adversary, but as a dependent Albany politician constantly calling Washington for help.
And he clearly enjoyed doing it.
Hochul’s administration attempted to dismiss Trump’s comments after the rally concluded.
Spokeswoman Kara Cumoletti said, “The Governor has been clear that she only calls Donald Trump for one reason, [which is] to fight for New Yorkers. Whether it’s funding for law enforcement, preserving construction jobs or fighting for the Gateway Tunnel and Second Avenue Subway, Governor Hochul has been relentless in pushing back against efforts that would hurt New Yorkers.”
