Albany, N.Y. (AP) — Despite prior warnings, a few notable Democratic governors are now adapting their approach to President-elect Donald Trump ahead of his inauguration, aiming to foster a constructive relationship with his incoming administration. Finding themselves in a delicate position, they are treading carefully to avoid alienating Trump while also considering their party’s inclination to challenge Trump’s agenda aggressively from the outset.
“It’s a mix of vigorously defending our values and communities when they come under attack, and at the same time, striving to find common ground on issues where we can find agreement,” explained New Jersey Democratic Governor Phil Murphy in an interview with The Associated Press.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York is similarly navigating this tightrope, pledging to resist potential policies from Trump that threaten reproductive rights while expressing optimism about collaborating with the President-elect. Despite criticizing Trump at the Democratic National Convention and serving as a prominent campaign advocate for Democrats, Hochul revealed that she and Trump engaged in a substantial conversation following his election victory, wherein they identified areas of shared interest such as infrastructure funding. However, she also emphasized her commitment to defending rights like reproductive freedom.
When questioned about the possibility of pardoning Trump for his New York criminal conviction related to hush money payments, Hochul did not dismiss the idea outright, acknowledging the existing pardon process in the state and the requirement for remorse.
While some Democrats are taking a more adversarial stance, others are seeking to strike a balance. California Governor Gavin Newsom, known for his staunch opposition to Trump, has called lawmakers back to allocate additional resources to the state attorney general’s office for potential legal battles against the incoming administration. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Colorado Governor Jared Polis formed a coalition named Governors Safeguarding Democracy to protect democratic institutions at the state level.
Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts, who previously took a more confrontational approach towards Trump during her tenure as state attorney general, has adopted a somewhat softer tone as governor. Despite Massachusetts voting overwhelmingly in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris, Healey recognizes the significant support Trump received in the state and has adjusted her rhetoric accordingly.
“I’ve spoken quite a bit about Donald Trump and my feelings about him,” Healey addressed reporters following Trump’s election victory. “We must wait and see if he follows through on his campaign promises, particularly with regards to Project 2025 and other hard-right policy initiatives,” she added. Healey hinted that state police would not assist in enforcing federal immigration law, a key focal point for Trump. However, she remained ambiguous on whether the state National Guard would be involved in detaining undocumented individuals.
As the co-chair of Harris’ presidential campaign, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer frequently expressed concerns about the potential repercussions of a second Trump presidency. She labeled him as “deranged” and emphasized that his reelection would symbolize a failure for the nation. Despite these reservations, following Trump’s win, Governor Whitmer has chosen to remain relatively low-key and has not divulged her plans for addressing some of his proposed policies, such as mass deportations.
“I am aware that some of my colleagues have adopted assertive approaches,” Whitmer remarked to reporters shortly after the election. “As I contemplate the implications of a Trump administration on our work, I am seeking common ground to focus on shared priorities.” Those in Whitmer’s inner circle characterize her stance as a strategy of watchful waiting, with the hope of collaborating with the president-elect on areas of mutual interest like economic development.
“We have collaborated with the Trump administration previously, and we are optimistic about finding ways to work together in the final two years of my term,” Whitmer asserted. Associated Press contributors Mike Catalini in Trenton, New Jersey; Jesse Bedayn in Denver; Steve LeBlanc in Boston; and Joey Cappelletti in Lansing, Michigan all contributed to this comprehensive report.
